The thermometer reaches 36 degrees in Madrid this Thursday

The alert also affects other areas of the Community, although the forecast values vary according to altitude and location. The heat will be more intense during the afternoon, when asphalt, building façades and less well-ventilated stations have accumulated several hours of sun exposure.

In the capital, virtually clear skies and a high of around 36 degrees are expected. Minimum temperatures will remain high, making it a difficult night for rest in homes without air conditioning or with little ventilation.

The episode will be particularly noticeable in neighbourhoods with few trees and large paved areas. Walking, waiting for the bus or making long journeys between 14:00 and 19:00 will be more uncomfortable, especially for older people, children and those who work outdoors.

Metro and Cercanías offer an alternative to long journeys on foot, although entrances, platforms and interchanges can also concentrate heat. It is advisable to carry water, avoid prolonged periods in the sun at stations and allow a little more time to travel without rushing.

Parks and green areas may offer somewhat more bearable temperatures, but not all spaces maintain the same amount of shade during the afternoon. Intense physical activity should be moved to early morning or the end of the day.

Health authorities recommend drinking fluids often, avoiding alcohol, wearing light clothing and paying attention to symptoms such as dizziness, headache, weakness or confusion. If there is rapid deterioration, it is important to leave the heat and seek help.

The afternoon will leave streets less crowded during the central hours, while terraces will regain activity when the sun goes down. Genuine relief will take time to arrive: even after the alert ends, buildings and pavements will continue to release the accumulated heat for much of the night.