Swedes Warned About Heat Dangers in Seville: Insights from a Local

Johanna Nilsson, 37, has lived in Seville, Spain, for 17 years. She has become accustomed to the heat but understands why the Swedish Foreign Ministry warns Swedes.

– I've seen tourists sit at outdoor cafes and drink alcohol. It's life-threatening.

In Seville, temperatures rise above 40 degrees every summer. Johanna Nilsson, originally from Varberg, has lived in Spain since 2008. She has adapted and knows how to manage life in the heat.

However, she has noticed that heatwaves are more frequent and start earlier in the year now than when she first moved here.

– These 40-degree waves now start in May. They used to come in July.

When the heatwaves hit, daily life changes.

– You get up early because you need to be home by noon. The days become long and quite dull.

Warning Tourists

Due to the heatwave, the Swedish Foreign Ministry has issued a warning to Swedes in the country.

Johanna understands why and explains that tourists in the city often don't know how to handle the high temperatures.

– People here are used to it, but if a Swede sees it's going to be 40 degrees, many don't understand what that means.

While Spaniards stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, cheerful vacationers often do the opposite, she says.

– I've seen tourists sit at outdoor cafes and drink alcohol. It's life-threatening in this weather.

– I think that's why they warn Swedes, because Swedes don't realize how bad it can get. Or that 35 degrees on the beach is entirely different from 40 degrees in the city.

Escaping the City

Johanna lives with her husband Pedro and their two children, Carlos, who is almost one, and Paula, who is four.

With the children, they ensure not to stay outdoors for long periods, and when they are, they have tricks to handle the heat.

– I usually fill a spray bottle with cold water, so Paula can spray us and herself.

Johanna describes that life is limited by the heat, but despite that, she doesn't want to complain.

– You just have to accept it. What can we do? It's the same as a Swede always complaining about rain in the summer.

When they have the opportunity, they, like many others, leave the city. When Expressen meets Johanna, she has just returned to Seville after spending the day with a friend outside the city, who has a pool.

– In the summer, many flee. Only the tourists remain.