Spain appears to be facing the next exceptional heatwave of the summer. According to the latest weather forecasts, a so-called heat dome is expected to develop over the Iberian Peninsula from Sunday, 10 August. This weather pattern could grip the country for several days, bringing temperatures of up to 40°C across many regions. Based on current projections, Andalusia, Extremadura, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón and parts of the Region of Murcia are expected to be among the areas most affected.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
In recent weeks, exceptionally high temperatures have already been recorded across numerous parts of the country. Several weather models now indicate that Spain is on the verge of another intense period of heat, which is expected to continue well into the following week.
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome is a particularly stable area of high pressure that settles over a region. This high-pressure system acts like a lid, preventing hot air from escaping. At the same time, air masses within the high-pressure system slowly sink, causing them to warm up further. As few clouds form and cooler air cannot move in, temperatures continue to rise day after day.
The result is prolonged periods of extreme heat with intense sunshine and often only limited cooling during the night. Such weather patterns not only place additional strain on people and the environment, but also significantly increase the risk of wildfires. Depending on its development, a heat dome can persist for several days or even more than a week.
Why is it getting so hot now?
According to meteorologists, a low-pressure system over the Atlantic is drawing hot air from subtropical regions towards Spain. At the same time, a strong high-pressure ridge is developing over the Iberian Peninsula, effectively trapping the warm air in place. As the high-pressure system remains in control, the hot air cannot escape, causing temperatures to continue climbing across large parts of the country.
This combination of weather systems is considered typical for the formation of a heat dome. As the air beneath the high-pressure system can barely circulate, it continues to warm up steadily. Weather models are therefore forecasting a significant rise in temperatures across large parts of Spain as early as the beginning of the week.
These regions must prepare for extreme temperatures
According to current forecasts, the most intense heat will mainly spread across inland areas. The regions expected to be particularly affected include Andalusia, Extremadura, Madrid, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Murcia, southern Galicia, as well as parts of Catalonia and Mallorca. Many of these areas are forecast to see maximum temperatures of between 36°C and 39°C.
Forecasts for some cities are even higher. Córdoba could see temperatures of up to 40°C, while Zaragoza is expected to reach around 38°C. Current predictions suggest highs of approximately 37°C in Seville and Madrid. On Mallorca, temperatures could rise to around 35°C, while Barcelona is likely to experience slightly milder conditions, with highs of about 31°C.
The weather conditions are expected to remain considerably more pleasant along the Cantabrian northern coast. Cooler air masses from the Atlantic are likely to prevent temperatures from rising to similar levels there. As a result, many coastal areas are forecast to remain below 30°C.
Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys among the worst affected areas
The situation could become particularly critical in the Guadalquivir Valley. Meteorologists are already expecting temperatures of at least 40°C there at the beginning of the coming week. In the Ebro Valley, between Aragón and Catalonia, local temperatures could also approach or even exceed the 40°C mark.
If these forecasts are confirmed, weather warnings are expected to be issued across numerous provinces. Particularly during the hottest hours of the day, a significant strain on people and the environment is anticipated.
Tropical nights intensify the strain
In addition to the high daytime temperatures, experts are also concerned about conditions during the night. If temperatures do not fall below 20°C overnight, this is referred to as a so-called tropical night. In densely built-up cities such as Madrid, Seville and Zaragoza, buildings can only slowly release the heat absorbed during the day, making it more difficult for urban areas to cool down.
This makes it more difficult for the body to recover during the night. Older people, young children and those with cardiovascular conditions are considered particularly vulnerable during such periods of extreme heat. Health authorities therefore recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight whenever possible, and scheduling physical activities for the early morning or evening hours.
Central Europe also feels the impact of the heatwave
This exceptional weather pattern is unlikely to be limited to Spain alone. Meteorologists are also forecasting significantly above-average temperatures in France, Germany, Switzerland and the Benelux countries. In some areas, temperatures could be three to six degrees above the long-term average.
This would allow the heatwave to spread across large parts of Western and Central Europe, affecting numerous countries at the same time.
An exceptional summer already underway
The summer of 2026 has already become one of the most extraordinary summers Spain has experienced in recent decades. Several intense periods of heat have led to new temperature records in many areas and further worsened the ongoing drought. In addition, the increased risk of wildfires could become even more severe if another heatwave develops.
If the now forecast heat dome develops as expected, it would already mark the next significant extreme weather event within just a few weeks. Meteorologists are monitoring this development closely, as prolonged high-pressure systems combined with exceptionally warm Mediterranean waters and dry soils can reinforce one another and intensify the effects of extreme heat.
Forecasts can still change
Although the various weather models are currently showing a similar picture, meteorologists point out that the exact intensity of the heatwave could still change. Both the highest temperatures and the precise extent of the most intense heat can only be determined reliably a few days before the event arrives.
Nevertheless, it is already considered likely that Spain will enter another phase of exceptionally high temperatures from Sunday onwards. For large parts of the country, another extremely hot August week is expected to lie ahead.
