Lorraine Williamson
Temperatures are set to rise sharply across Spain from this weekend, with parts of the south, east and the Balearic Islands expected to exceed 40°C.
The heat will intensify further from Monday, potentially developing into Spain’s third official heatwave of the summer. However, AEMET has not yet formally classified the episode because its duration and geographical extent must still be confirmed.
Temperatures rise from Saturday
AEMET expects temperatures to begin climbing across the southern half of mainland Spain and the main river valleys on Saturday, 18 July.
The hottest conditions will initially affect parts of Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, Murcia, the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands. Temperatures above 40°C are possible in some southern and eastern areas during the weekend.
By Sunday, maximum temperatures could reach between 38°C and 42°C across much of central and southern Spain. Some areas of the Guadalquivir Valley may record even higher temperatures, while large parts of northern Spain and the Balearic Islands could reach between 36°C and 38°C.
The heat is expected to become more widespread from Monday, with particularly high temperatures possible across mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands between Monday and Wednesday.
Is this officially a heatwave?
A period of hot weather is not automatically classified as a heatwave.
For AEMET to confirm an official heatwave, unusually high temperatures must affect a sufficiently large part of the country for at least three consecutive days. The agency will therefore assess the intensity, duration, and geographical reach of the coming episode before classifying it.
Current forecasts suggest the necessary conditions could develop during the first half of next week. Uncertainty remains, particularly over how long the most intense heat will last and whether temperatures will remain above the required thresholds across enough monitoring stations.
If confirmed, this would be Spain’s third heatwave of summer 2026, following previous episodes in late June and early July.
Which areas will be hottest?
The highest temperatures are expected in inland Andalucía and Castilla-La Mancha, where some locations could approach or exceed 42°C during the coming days.
The Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tajo valleys are likely to experience particularly intense heat. Murcia, inland Valencia, parts of Aragón, and the interior of Mallorca could also see temperatures at or above 40°C.
Madrid, Toledo, Ciudad Real, Córdoba, Jaén, Granada, Zaragoza, and Lleida are among the provincial capitals and inland cities likely to experience very high daytime temperatures.
Coastal areas may record slightly lower maximum temperatures, but high humidity could make conditions feel more uncomfortable. Overnight temperatures may also remain elevated in Mediterranean regions, making it difficult for homes to cool after sunset.
AEMET warnings may change
Weather warnings are issued according to local thresholds rather than one national temperature.
A temperature considered exceptional in northern Spain may not trigger the same warning level in Andalucía, where very hot summer conditions are more common. Readers should therefore check the colour-coded warning for their province or local area rather than relying only on a national forecast.
AEMET’s warnings can also change as forecasts become more precise. Yellow, orange, or red alerts may be introduced, extended, or upgraded at relatively short notice.
Health risks increase during prolonged heat
Extreme heat can cause dehydration, cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. It can also aggravate cardiovascular, respiratory, and other chronic health conditions.
People aged over 75, babies and young children, pregnant women, and those living with chronic illnesses face a higher risk. People working outdoors, living alone, or staying in homes that are difficult to cool may also be particularly vulnerable.
Spain’s Ministry of Health advises drinking water regularly even when not thirsty, avoiding excessive alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, reducing physical activity during the hottest part of the day and spending time in cool or air-conditioned places. Medicines should also be stored carefully because excessive heat can alter some products.
Anyone showing signs of confusion, fainting, severe headache, vomiting, unusually hot skin, or difficulty walking may require urgent medical assistance. A suspected heatstroke should be treated as an emergency.
Take extra care with children and pets
Children and animals should never be left inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly, even when the vehicle is parked in partial shade or the windows are slightly open. Babies, young children, and pets are unable to regulate their body temperature as effectively as healthy adults.
Dog walks should be moved to early morning or late evening where possible. Pavements can become hot enough to burn paws, while strenuous exercise during the middle of the day can quickly cause overheating.
Homes should be ventilated during cooler morning and evening periods, with blinds, shutters, or curtains closed when direct sunlight reaches windows.
Weekend driving during extreme heat
Drivers making weekend journeys are advised to avoid travelling during the hottest hours where possible.
The DGT recommends travelling in the early morning, later afternoon or evening, stopping at least every two hours or 200 kilometres and carrying sufficient water. It also advises checking tyres and vehicle condition before setting off and keeping the interior temperature between approximately 20°C and 23°C.
Excessive heat inside a car can reduce concentration and increase the risk of an accident. Drivers should never continue when feeling drowsy, dizzy, or unwell.
Those travelling near active wildfire zones should check road conditions before leaving and avoid routes restricted by emergency services.
Heat raises the wildfire danger
The coming rise in temperatures will add to already serious wildfire conditions across Spain.
Dry vegetation, low humidity, and hot winds can allow fires to spread rapidly. Several regions are already dealing with major incidents, including the fires in Zaragoza, Guadalajara, and Málaga province.
Visitors and residents should avoid lighting fires or barbecues in unauthorised areas, throwing cigarette ends from vehicles, or parking on dry grass where hot vehicle components could ignite vegetation.
Anyone who sees smoke or flames should move away from the area and call 112. People should not travel towards a wildfire to take photographs or observe the emergency operation.
Outdoor plans may need to change
The timing of the heat could affect weekend events, sports, hiking, beach visits, and sightseeing.
Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or later in the day, particularly in inland areas. Walkers should carry more water than they expect to need and avoid exposed routes without shade.
People visiting beaches should remember that sea breezes can make conditions feel cooler without reducing ultraviolet exposure. Shade, protective clothing, and regular breaks from direct sun remain important.
Large public events may introduce additional water points, shaded areas or timetable changes if local warning levels rise.
The most intense heat may arrive next week
The weekend will mark the beginning of the temperature rise rather than necessarily its peak.
Current forecasts suggest that the most widespread and intense conditions could arrive between Monday and Wednesday. Temperatures may then reach or exceed 40°C across broad areas of southern, central and eastern Spain.
Whether the episode is formally declared Spain’s third heatwave will become clearer as AEMET assesses updated forecasts over the weekend.
Residents and visitors should monitor official warnings closely, particularly before travelling, attending outdoor events or planning strenuous activity.