Spain’s summer continues to show its extreme side. After several intense periods of heat, current weather models are now warning of a possible third major heatwave. A new so-called heat dome could become established over the Iberian Peninsula, bringing exceptionally high temperatures to many regions once again.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
Meteorologists are currently monitoring the development of a stable high-pressure system that could trap hot air over Spain. Should this scenario materialise, parts of the country could once again see temperatures exceeding 40°C. The approaching heat could not only have a significant impact on people’s daily lives but also affect nature, agriculture and infrastructure.
What is behind the “heat dome” phenomenon?
A heat dome develops when a strong area of high pressure becomes established over a region, trapping warm air masses for an extended period of time. The air is pushed down from higher altitudes, causing it to heat up further, while the stable weather pattern prevents it from escaping. At the same time, the lack of cloud formation allows sunlight to become particularly intense.
The result is prolonged periods of extreme heat, with exceptionally high daytime temperatures, unusually warm nights and significantly increased dryness. The particularly concerning factor is that temperatures can remain at very high levels for several days. This not only increases the strain on people but also raises the risk of wildfires and damage to agriculture.
Mainland Spain is particularly in focus
According to current forecasts, the regions in Spain’s interior could once again be among the worst affected. Areas considered particularly vulnerable include Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha and parts of the Madrid region. The Guadalquivir Valley is also traditionally one of the hottest areas in Spain and could once again see temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Cities such as Seville and Córdoba regularly experience extreme heat periods during these weather conditions. The combination of dry air, intense sunshine and little wind allows the heat to remain in place for extended periods.
However, the Mediterranean coast will not be completely spared from this development either. Along the Costa del Sol, the Costa Blanca and in the Murcia region, high temperatures could coincide with warm nights. Particularly in densely built-up coastal towns, stored heat means that temperatures only decrease slowly even after sunset.
Hot nights are becoming the biggest problem
It is not only the daytime heat that poses a challenge. So-called tropical nights are increasingly becoming a problem as well. During these nights, temperatures no longer fall below 20°C, giving the body fewer opportunities to recover.
In cities and popular coastal areas, night-time temperatures can even remain above 25°C during extreme heat periods. For many people, this means poorer sleep and significantly increased physical strain.
Older people, children and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk. People who work outdoors are also exposed to increased risks during these weather conditions.
The Balearic Islands between summer heat and the cooling effect of the sea
The Balearic Islands must also prepare for continued high temperatures. While Mallorca, Ibiza and Menorca benefit from the moderating influence of the Mediterranean Sea, the islands can still be affected by prolonged periods of heat.
Especially during the peak of summer, stable weather conditions often cause temperatures to rise well above average for several days at a time. While the proximity to the sea can provide some relief during the day, hot and oppressive nights can also develop on the islands.
For holidaymakers, the increasing summer heat means that activities need to be adapted more closely to the temperatures. During periods of extreme heat, walks, excursions and outdoor activities are often moved to the early morning hours or the evening.
Rising wildfire risk in many regions
The combination of high temperatures, prolonged drought and dried-out vegetation significantly increases the risk of wildfires. Spain has already experienced severe fires during the summer months for years, with blazes capable of destroying vast areas of woodland.
Dry forest areas and regions affected by strong winds are particularly at risk. During periods of extreme heat, authorities increase their warnings and urge the public to exercise particular caution.
Under these conditions, even small acts of carelessness can quickly have dangerous consequences. Open fires, discarded cigarettes or sparks caused by agricultural work can be enough to trigger wildfires.
Impact on daily life, agriculture and tourism
Extreme heat affects not only everyday life but also key sectors of the Spanish economy. Agriculture in particular faces major challenges, as high temperatures and a lack of rainfall can make water supplies increasingly difficult to manage.
Many farmers are increasingly reliant on irrigation, while water resources are becoming scarce in several regions of Spain at the same time. Crops that struggle with high temperatures and prolonged periods of drought are particularly vulnerable.
Tourism must also adapt to the changing climate conditions. Spain remains one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations, but more and more visitors are changing their behaviour during periods of extreme heat. Activities are increasingly being moved to cooler parts of the day, while demand for accommodation with air conditioning or swimming pools continues to rise.
Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme heat periods
Scientists have been observing an increase in intense heat events in Spain for years. The Iberian Peninsula is among the regions of Europe that are particularly affected by rising temperatures.
Longer heat periods, reduced rainfall and more frequent temperature extremes are increasingly presenting Spain with major challenges. As a result, cities and municipalities are investing more heavily in measures to combat the effects of extreme heat. These include expanding green spaces in urban areas, improving water management systems and developing strategies to protect particularly vulnerable groups of the population.
No final all-clear yet for Spain
Whether the expected heat dome will actually reach the forecast intensity depends on how the weather pattern develops in the coming days. Modern weather models can identify potential trends at an early stage, but the exact strength of a heatwave can only be determined reliably shortly before it arrives.
However, Spain remains particularly vulnerable to extreme summer heat. Residents and holidaymakers must continue to prepare for high temperatures, especially in regions that are traditionally among the hottest areas in Europe.
The possible third heatwave of this summer once again highlights how significantly Spain’s summers are changing. Heat periods are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and increasingly reaching extreme levels — a trend that will continue to challenge the country in the years ahead.
