Lorraine Williamson
Spain is facing another hot and unsettled weekend, with high temperatures returning across much of the country and storms expected in parts of the north and mountain areas.
AEMET has activated yellow warnings for high temperatures in six autonomous communities on Saturday: Aragón, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Navarra and La Rioja. The affected areas include parts of Huesca, Teruel, Zaragoza, Barcelona, Girona, Lleida, Cuenca, Navarra’s centre and Ribera del Ebro, La Rioja and inland Mallorca.
The strongest heat is expected in the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys, where maximum temperatures could reach 36 °C to 38 °C. Inland parts of Andalucía, the southern Meseta and the Balearic Islands are also likely to climb above 35 °C, making the middle of the day particularly uncomfortable for residents, tourists and anyone working outdoors.
The heat comes after a short-lived drop in temperatures in some areas following Spain’s first major hot spell of the summer. AEMET has described the new rise as a very warm episode, although it is still too early to say whether it will meet the official criteria for another heatwave. The increase is expected to continue into the early part of next week.
Although much of Spain will remain dry and bright, the weather will not be completely stable. Cloud is expected to build during the afternoon in the north and around the Sistema Ibérico, with showers and storms possible. The strongest storms are most likely in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian side of Navarra, while Galicia and the Cantabrian coast may see some cloud and weaker rain.
A hotter start to July
AEMET’s outlook for the week from June 29 to July 5 suggests temperatures will remain high across much of the country, especially in western, central and southern parts of the Peninsula. Rainfall is expected to be scarce overall, although weak rain may affect the Cantabrian area and some showers or storms could develop inland, particularly in eastern parts of Spain.
The agency has also warned that, later in July, temperatures may continue above normal in many areas, although confidence decreases the further ahead the forecast looks. For now, the pattern remains familiar: long sunny spells, high daytime temperatures, warm nights in many places, and the possibility of storms building after the heat of the day.
Heat precautions
Spain’s Ministry of Health has urged people to take basic precautions during periods of high temperature. Its advice includes drinking water frequently, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, reducing outdoor physical activity during the hottest hours, wearing light breathable clothing, using sun protection and keeping medicines in a cool place. It also warns never to leave anyone in a parked, closed vehicle.
Particular care is advised for older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and those living alone. Protection Civil also recommends checking on vulnerable neighbours or relatives, avoiding heavy meals, staying in well-ventilated spaces and taking extra care to prevent forest fires during hot, dry weather.
Anyone heading to the beach, travelling inland, attending outdoor events or planning sport this weekend should check the latest local forecast before setting off. Weather warnings can change quickly, particularly when heat and afternoon storms combine.