Spain is bracing for an exceptionally hot weekend. According to Spain’s national weather agency, AEMET, all indications suggest that a new heatwave is developing across large parts of the Iberian Peninsula. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly from Friday, with the hottest conditions forecast for Sunday and Monday.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
Meteorologists are forecasting daytime highs of between 38°C and 42°C across many parts of the country. The river valleys of the Tagus (Tajo), Guadiana and Guadalquivir, along with large areas of south-western Spain and the Ebro Valley, are expected to be among the hardest hit. If the current forecast proves accurate, Spain could experience its second official heatwave of the summer.
Warning levels have been issued across several regions
The Spanish meteorological agency has already issued warnings for numerous regions. In parts of Andalusia, Extremadura and Galicia, an amber warning is in place, indicating a significant health risk due to extreme heat. Other regions, including Madrid, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y León and Catalonia, are under a yellow heat warning.
The strain on the human body can become considerable, particularly during the midday and afternoon hours. Authorities therefore advise avoiding physical activity outdoors where possible and ensuring adequate fluid intake.
Up to 42°C possible
On Friday, temperatures in western Galicia are expected to range between 36°C and 39°C. In south-western Spain, values are set to rise to 38°C to 40°C. The Ebro Valley and the southern Meseta are also forecast to see widespread highs of up to 38°C.
The heat is expected to peak on Sunday. Daytime highs of between 36°C and 38°C are forecast across large parts of the country. In the river valleys of the Tagus (Tajo), Guadiana and Guadalquivir, temperatures of up to 42°C are possible locally. Some weather models even suggest that slightly higher values cannot be ruled out in particularly hot areas.
Hot nights make recovery more difficult
Not only will daytime conditions remain exceptionally warm. Many regions will also see very little cooling overnight. In numerous cities, overnight lows of over 22°C to 24°C are expected, with some areas potentially remaining above 25°C.
Such so-called tropical, and in some cases even “torrid”, nights make physical recovery considerably more difficult and increase the risk of heat-related health problems, particularly for older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
The cause is hot air arriving from the south
The weather pattern is being driven by a combination of a strong high-pressure system over the Iberian Peninsula and a DANA (isolated high-altitude depression) west of Portugal. This setup is channeling very dry, hot air towards Spain. At the same time, intense solar radiation and light winds are allowing the air masses to heat up further.
This weather configuration is likely to sustain a multi-day period of extreme heat and significantly increases the risk of wildfires. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, particularly in the dry regions of the south and south-west.
Relief is not expected until midweek at the earliest
According to current forecasts, a slight cooling trend could begin in north-western Spain from Tuesday onwards. However, in many areas of the south, east and inland regions, extreme heat is expected to persist at least until Wednesday. Only afterwards do meteorologists anticipate a gradual return to more normal temperatures, although values are still likely to remain above the long-term average in many places.
Already an exceptionally hot summer
The current weather situation is part of an already exceptionally hot summer. June was among the warmest months on record since weather observations began. Climate scientists have been observing for years a clear increase in prolonged heatwaves across the Iberian Peninsula. As a result, the strain on people, nature and infrastructure continues to grow.
Authorities are therefore urging residents and holidaymakers to pay close attention to official weather warnings, avoid direct sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, and take special care of children, older people and those with chronic illnesses. The risk of wildfires also remains high due to the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions and, in some areas, dry thunderstorms.
