Madrid breathes a little easier this Thursday, though the heat will continue

The drop does not make the day cool, but it may be noticeable in people’s routines. The early hours are more bearable than on previous days and the afternoon, although it will remain hot, will be somewhat below the most extreme peaks recorded during the week.

The sky remains clear and the sun once again dominates much of the day. It will feel fully summery, with streets exposed to the heat, terraces seeking shade and more activity in parks and along promenades when the sun begins to go down.

The wind will be light, with an occasionally more noticeable spell during the middle of the day. It will not be enough to change the atmosphere, but it may help the heat feel somewhat less oppressive on open avenues, in higher areas and in neighbourhoods with more air circulation.

In the metropolitan area and the Henares corridor, the heat will remain the main determining factor. AEMET maintains high-temperature warnings in the area, with maximums that may reach 37 degrees at the harshest points of the episode.

The day may also be marked by some haze or a slightly cloudy-looking sky in some places, especially towards the south-east of the region. No abrupt change in the weather is expected, but there may be that usual whitish appearance when suspended dust mixes with the heat.

For those planning to go out, the best time will continue to be early morning or late afternoon. Midday and the early afternoon remain the most uncomfortable period, especially for sport, long walks, errands on foot or outdoor work.

The day brings a feeling of partial respite: Madrid’s thermometer drops a little, but the city does not leave the intense summer behind. The city regains some room to get about, meet on terraces or walk at sunset, although the heat will continue to dictate schedules, clothing, transport and plans.