Lorraine Williamson
Spain is facing one of the most intense days of its first summer heatwave, with thousands of municipalities now under health-risk alerts and parts of the country warned to expect extreme temperatures.
The heatwave, which began on Sunday, has entered its third day with temperatures at or above 40C in wide areas of the Peninsula. El País reported on Tuesday that 3,298 municipalities are now at high health risk from heat, with 1,835 at medium risk and 1,820 at low risk.
AEMET has weather warnings active across much of Spain, including red-level alerts in areas where the heat is expected to be particularly dangerous. The agency’s latest warning map should be checked directly for the most up-to-date local alert level.
Heat risk now covers much of Spain
The latest figures show how widespread the heat risk has become.
According to El País, Spain has already recorded dozens of AEMET weather stations at or above 40C during the episode. The report said Andújar, in Jaén, approached 43C, while Almería recorded a night where the temperature did not fall below 30C.
That matters because health risk is not only about the afternoon maximum. When nights stay very hot, homes, streets and bodies have less chance to cool down.
The Ministry of Health warns that excessive heat can cause cramps, dehydration, heat exhaustion, sunstroke and heatstroke. The impact can be greater for elderly people, babies, young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and people with underlying health conditions.
Why health alerts are different from weather warnings
Spain now works with both AEMET weather warnings and health-risk alerts.
AEMET warnings are based on meteorological conditions, including expected maximum temperatures and the local threshold for each area. The Ministry of Health’s Meteosalud system looks at the health impact of heat across specific zones.
This means an area may not always feel “exceptional” to local residents but can still present a health risk, especially if temperatures stay high for several days or nights.
The Ministry’s 2026 heat plan monitors temperature-related health risk and uses different levels, from absence of risk to low, medium and high risk. S
Red alerts in parts of Spain
AEMET’s warning map shows the areas under yellow, orange and red alerts for high temperatures. Red warnings indicate extraordinary risk, while orange warnings point to significant risk in affected areas.
Red alerts mean the risk is extraordinary and that the weather can affect the whole population, not only vulnerable groups.
Orange alerts also require caution, particularly for people working outdoors, travelling, exercising, caring for children or spending long periods away from shade or air conditioning.
The heat is changing daily routines
Across Spain, the heat is already affecting ordinary life.
In Córdoba, where extreme heat alerts have been activated, the city council announced extraordinary measures including climate shelters, suspension of outdoor activities during the highest-risk hours and support for vulnerable people.
Barcelona has also introduced measures for municipal outdoor workers, including not working alone, short rest breaks, breathable clothing, sunscreen and thermal wristbands designed to alert workers to possible heat stress.
These examples show that the heatwave is not just a weather event. It is affecting work, public services, safety planning and how councils organise outdoor activity.
When will the heat ease?
The first signs of relief may begin from Wednesday in western and northwestern areas as cooler air reaches parts of the country. However, the fall in temperatures is expected to be gradual and uneven. El País reported that relief will likely arrive first in the west and north, before extending further into central areas. Eastern parts of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands may continue to face very high temperatures for longer.
That means Tuesday remains a difficult day, and Wednesday may still be very hot in many places.
What residents and visitors should do today
The safest advice is also the simplest. Avoid unnecessary outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day. Drink water regularly, even before you feel thirsty. Keep homes as cool as possible by closing blinds or shutters during peak heat and ventilating when temperatures fall. Check on older relatives, neighbours and anyone living alone. Make sure children, babies and pets are not left in parked vehicles, even for a short time.
If you have to work outside, travel, queue, exercise or attend an outdoor event, plan around shade, water and rest.
Heat illness can develop quickly. Warning signs include dizziness, confusion, weakness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps or a high body temperature. In a serious case, call 112.
San Juan celebrations need extra care
The heat risk is especially relevant this week because San Juan celebrations are taking place across Spain.
Many people will gather on beaches, around bonfires or at outdoor events during the night of 23 June into 24 June. Even if temperatures fall after sunset, warm nights, alcohol, crowds, fireworks and sea bathing can all add risk.
People heading out for San Juan should check local council rules on bonfires, barbecues, beach access, fireworks and alcohol. They should also avoid night swimming if the sea is rough, visibility is poor or there are no lifeguards.
The heatwave does not mean people cannot enjoy summer traditions. It means they need to adapt them.
Spain’s first heatwave reaches its toughest point
Spain is used to hot summers, but this episode has arrived early, intensely and across a wide area.
Thousands of towns are now in health-risk zones. Many areas are facing 40C or more. Nights are staying uncomfortably warm, and public authorities are adapting services, events and outdoor work.
The message for Tuesday is clear: the heatwave has not passed yet.
The safest response is to slow down, avoid the worst hours, check local alerts and treat extreme heat as a health risk, not simply as summer weather.