Spain’s brief respite from the intense summer heat is coming to an end, with temperatures forecast to climb sharply across much of the country this weekend. In the hottest areas, the mercury could once again reach or exceed 40C
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
Following a temporary drop in temperatures brought about by a passing trough, the weather pattern is shifting once more. Very warm air is expected to spread across the Iberian Peninsula, pushing daytime temperatures higher in almost every region.
Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, has issued yellow and orange warnings for high temperatures across numerous parts of the country, as the exceptionally hot summer of 2026 continues.
Temperatures could exceed 40C
Some of the highest temperatures are expected in Spain’s major river valleys.
The Guadalquivir and Guadiana valleys are forecast to see highs of around 38C to 39C initially, with even higher temperatures possible locally.
Conditions will also be particularly hot around the Tagus and Ebro valleys, where temperatures in the warmest locations could reach between 39C and 41C.
Across large parts of inland Spain, daytime highs above 35C are expected to become widespread once again.
This time, however, the rise in temperatures will also be particularly noticeable in northern Spain.
Provinces including Burgos, Álava and Navarra, as well as La Rioja, could see maximum temperatures rise by between four and eight degrees within a relatively short period.
The renewed heat will therefore affect areas that had recently enjoyed somewhat more comfortable conditions.
Sunday under particular scrutiny
Meteorologists are now paying close attention to developments expected on Sunday and into the beginning of next week.
Weather models suggest that a persistent area of high pressure could develop over the Iberian Peninsula, potentially trapping exceptionally warm air over Spain for several days.
One scenario being closely watched is the possible formation of what is commonly known as a “heat dome”.
Under such conditions, a strong area of high pressure effectively acts as a lid over a region, preventing hot air from dispersing. Sinking air can also warm further, allowing exceptionally high temperatures to persist for several days.
Should this pattern become established, Spain could be facing not only an extremely hot weekend but also a particularly warm start to next week.
Forecasts several days ahead remain subject to change, however, and meteorologists will continue to monitor how the atmospheric situation develops.
Hot nights could add to the discomfort
Daytime temperatures are only part of the picture.
During prolonged periods of extreme heat, overnight temperatures can remain unusually high, giving homes and urban areas little opportunity to cool down.
This can become particularly noticeable in cities, along the Mediterranean coast and across parts of southern Spain, where so-called tropical nights are a familiar feature of the summer months.
For residents and holidaymakers alike, minimum overnight temperatures could therefore become almost as significant as the daytime highs.
Another extreme chapter in Spain’s summer
The latest rise in temperatures comes during what has already been an exceptional summer for Spain.
According to AEMET, the summer of 2026 is so far shaping up to be Spain’s hottest and driest since 1961.
The combination of persistent heat, very dry vegetation and parched ground is also increasing concern over the risk of wildfires in many parts of the country.
For now, there is little sign of a lasting nationwide cool-down.
After several slightly more comfortable days in some regions, Spain is preparing once again for widespread temperatures above 35C, with the hottest parts of the country potentially reaching or exceeding 40C.
The question for the coming days is therefore not simply how hot Spain will become this weekend, but how long the intense heat will remain in place afterwards.
