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Costa Blanca beaches closed as red alert brings extreme heat, storms and dangerous winds
Red flags have been raised along the Orihuela Costa while councils shut beaches, parks and outdoor spaces
The Costa Blanca is battening down the hatches as a rare combination of extreme heat and severe storm warnings forces councils to close beaches, parks and other public spaces in a bid to keep residents and holidaymakers safe.
Orihuela City Council has confirmed that all beaches along coast will close from 5pm on Thursday July 23, with red flags raised to ban swimming as conditions are expected to deteriorate rapidly during the evening.
The closures come as Alicante province faces one of its most dangerous weather days of the summer. Inland temperatures are forecast to reach as high as 45ºC, while the entire province is also under a yellow warning for thunderstorms that could bring hail and powerful wind gusts later in the day.
Although the most intense heat will be felt away from the coast, meteorologists warn that the combination of soaring temperatures and unstable atmospheric conditions could create hazardous conditions across the Costa Blanca, particularly from late afternoon onwards.
Alicante City Council has also activated emergency measures following a meeting of its local emergency coordination committee. From 5pm, all municipal beaches will be closed to bathers, while parks, gardens, wooded recreational areas, Santa Bárbara Castle and outdoor terraces will also shut as a precaution.
The city is forecast to reach around 34ºC, although the heat index could make it feel closer to 42ºC during the hottest part of the day. Officials are also warning of the potential for exceptionally strong winds during the evening storms, with some forecasts suggesting gusts could become severe enough to cause damage.
Authorities are urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during the worst of the weather and to keep away from beaches, promenades and exposed coastal areas once the alerts come into force.
How to stay safe
- Keep children, older people and anyone with underlying health conditions well hydrated.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest hours, particularly between midday and early evening.
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing and protect your head with a hat.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity until temperatures begin to fall.
- Never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets inside parked vehicles.
- Bring in or secure parasols, outdoor furniture, flowerpots and any loose objects on balconies or terraces.
- Stay indoors if thunderstorms develop and avoid beaches, promenades and other exposed areas.
- Keep blinds and windows closed if it's hotter outside than indoors and use fans or air conditioning where possible.
Find all the latest weather and climate change news here or join our Alicante Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates
