Lorraine Williamson
Spain is facing a weekend of sharply contrasting weather, with high temperatures in several regions, storms and possible hail in the north-west, and wind and coastal warnings in parts of southern Spain.
AEMET has activated weather warnings across parts of the country for Saturday, with heat affecting areas of the south-west and Ebro valley, while storms are forecast in the north-west. Cádiz and Málaga are also affected by wind and coastal conditions linked to the Levante.
The unsettled mix comes as Spain enters a more sensitive part of the summer fire-risk season, only days after the major Huelva wildfire was stabilised following several days of firefighting work.
Heat warnings in several regions
Temperatures are expected to climb into the high 30s in parts of Spain, with several areas forecast to reach around 37C or 38C.
The strongest heat is expected in parts of Extremadura, Andalucia and the Ebro valley, where daytime temperatures will feel more like peak summer than mid-June.
Warm nights are also expected in parts of the Mediterranean coast and south-western valleys, where minimum temperatures may remain above 20C. These so-called tropical nights can make it harder for people to cool down, especially in homes without air conditioning.
Older people, young children, outdoor workers, people with health conditions and anyone exercising outside should take extra care during the hottest hours of the day.
Storms and hail in the north-west
While some areas deal with heat, the north-west of the peninsula faces a different problem.
AEMET has warned of storms that may be accompanied by hail and strong gusts of wind, especially in parts of Galicia, Asturias and Castilla y León.
AEMET’s own warning page also lists storm alerts for areas including Valdeorras in Ourense, with possible hail and very strong gusts.
Storms of this type can develop quickly. Drivers, hikers and people attending outdoor events should watch the sky, check local forecasts and avoid exposed areas if thunder, hail or strong wind develops.
Wind and coastal warnings in Cádiz and Málaga
In Andalucia, the main official weather warnings are linked to wind and coastal conditions.
AEMET has issued warnings for strong easterly winds in parts of Cádiz, including the Strait area, with gusts reaching up to 80km/h in some zones. Coastal warnings are also active for the Cádiz coast.
Cadena SER also reported warnings affecting Cádiz and Málaga because of the Levante wind and coastal conditions.
People planning beach trips, boat crossings, water sports or coastal walks should check local conditions before setting out. Levante winds can make beaches uncomfortable and sea conditions more dangerous, especially near the Strait and exposed coastal areas.
Fire risk remains part of the weekend picture
The weather comes after a difficult week for wildfire crews in Andalucia.
The large wildfire in Villanueva de los Castillejos, Huelva, burned more than 5,000 hectares before being stabilised, while firefighters also dealt with smaller incidents elsewhere in the region.
Cadena SER reported that a fire declared in Guillena, Sevilla, on Saturday was controlled by early afternoon, with crews remaining in the area. The report also noted that Infoca continued work linked to the Huelva fire, which had already become one of the most significant early-season fires in the province.
This does not mean every area faces the same level of danger. Fire risk changes by location, vegetation, wind, temperature and humidity. However, a combination of heat, dry ground and gusty wind can quickly turn a small spark into an emergency.
AEMET’s fire-risk index gives a more detailed picture
AEMET now provides daily maps of forest fire danger based on weather data and numerical prediction models. These maps are designed to help show where conditions are more favourable for fire spread.
The agency has also introduced a new fire-danger index for the 2026 fire season, improving the spatial resolution from five kilometres to one kilometre and adding a new “very low” category to its existing risk levels.
That matters because fire risk can vary sharply even within the same province. A valley, forested slope, agricultural area or coastal strip may face different conditions depending on wind, humidity and vegetation.
What residents and visitors should do
The advice for the weekend is simple: check the forecast for your exact area before travelling, especially if you are going to the beach, driving through mountain areas, hiking, camping or attending outdoor events.
During heat warnings, avoid strenuous activity during the middle of the day, drink water regularly, keep children and pets out of parked cars, and check on vulnerable relatives or neighbours.
During storm warnings, avoid exposed ridges, isolated trees, riverbeds and flood-prone roads. If hail or sudden strong wind develops while driving, slow down and keep a safe distance.
In fire-risk areas, do not light fires or barbecues outside authorised places, avoid machinery that can cause sparks, dispose of cigarettes safely and call emergency services immediately if you see smoke or flames.
A weekend to plan carefully
Spain’s weather this weekend is not the same everywhere. Some areas face heat, others storms, and parts of the southern coast are dealing with wind and rough sea conditions.
For most people, the weekend will still be manageable with sensible planning. But the combination of heat, storms, wind and early-summer fire risk means it is worth checking before setting out.
The clearest message is not alarm. It is preparation.