Lorraine Williamson
After a brief spell of cooler weather and summer storms, Spain is baking again under intense heat. The mercury is set to soar to dangerous levels across much of the country this week. The peak is expected to arrive on Wednesday and Thursday.
Although the national weather service, AEMET, has stopped short of officially declaring a heatwave, it warns that the current conditions pose serious risks to health and wellbeing.
Spain overhauls national heatwave plan
From respite to roasting in days
The weekend brought temporary relief thanks to a DANA (a high-altitude isolated depression), which triggered thunderstorms and cooled the air in parts of the northeast and southwest. But the reprieve was short-lived. A mass of hot, dry air has swept back over the Iberian Peninsula, pushing daytime highs well beyond seasonal norms.
AEMET has issued yellow and orange warnings across several provinces, with inland areas once again bearing the brunt. Forecasts show most of the interior climbing to 36°C or more, while the southwestern quadrant is facing even fiercer extremes.
Southern Spain sizzles: Córdoba could top 43°C
The heat will be most intense in Extremadura, western Castilla-La Mancha, and Andalucia. In the Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tagus river valleys, forecasts suggest temperatures could spike to 42°C or higher. Córdoba, which regularly ranks among Europe’s hottest cities, may reach 43°C, making it one of the hottest places on the continent this week.
Cities like Madrid, Ciudad Real, and Zaragoza will also endure blistering afternoons, with forecasts suggesting peaks above 36°C. Even coastal cities are not immune — Bilbao is expected to hit 30°C on Thursday, unusual for the Basque city.
Sleepless nights ahead as temperatures refuse to drop
Adding to the discomfort, night-time lows are stubbornly high, especially along the Mediterranean and in the southern half of the country. Many regions won’t see temperatures fall below 22°C overnight, leading to so-called noches tropicales — “tropical nights” — which not only disrupt sleep but also exacerbate heat-related health issues for vulnerable groups.
No official heatwave – but still a major health risk
Technically, this stretch of hot weather doesn’t yet tick all the boxes for a formal ola de calor (heatwave), according to AEMET’s criteria, which require sustained anomalies over several days. However, the combination of searing daytime highs, unrelenting nights, dry conditions, and minimal wind creates a dangerous mix. Authorities have urged residents to stay indoors during peak hours, keep hydrated, and check on elderly neighbours or relatives.
Scorching spell to linger through the week
The oppressive heat is expected to linger until at least Friday, with only a slight dip in temperatures forecast as the week ends. However, forecasters warn that heat-related fatigue will accumulate, especially with little cooling overnight and a general lack of airflow.
Spain’s sizzling summers – a growing concern
Episodes like this are becoming increasingly frequent and intense, echoing wider European climate trends. Last summer, Spain recorded its hottest year on record, with drought conditions and wildfires ravaging large areas. While this week’s temperatures may not yet hit historic highs, they are another reminder that Spain’s summer heat is becoming more punishing and arriving earlier in the season.
Staying safe during extreme July heat in Spain
Even when not classified as a heatwave, prolonged periods of high temperatures pose serious health risks. It’s essential to limit exposure, drink plenty of fluids, avoid alcohol, and protect vulnerable people such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.
Sources: ELPAÍS, eltiempo.es