Lorraine Williamson
Spain has entered a new heatwave on Sunday, with Monday expected to bring some of the most difficult conditions as temperatures climb again across large parts of the mainland and the Balearic Islands.
AEMET’s latest special warning, issued on Sunday, July 5, says the heatwave is expected to continue at least until Wednesday, with Monday likely to be one of the most intense days. The agency forecasts very high daytime temperatures and warm nights, with values that may reach or exceed 40–42ºC in parts of the Tajo, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, while the Ebro valley, the south-west, the Meseta Sur, parts of Galicia and the Balearic Islands also face very high temperatures. AEMET also warns that fire danger will rise generally to very high levels because of heat, dry conditions and possible strong gusts or storms in some areas.
Monday could be the hardest day
The timing matters because many people will be returning to work, travelling, caring for children or older relatives, or spending time outdoors after the weekend. A hot Monday can be more dangerous than a weekend heat alert because people may be less able to avoid travel, work, appointments or school-holiday routines.
Protección Civil has maintained its alert for very high and persistent temperatures from Sunday, July 5, at least until Tuesday, July 7. It highlights the south-western quadrant, the Ebro valley, north-eastern depressions and the valleys of the Pyrenees as areas of particular concern, with Monday expected to bring 39–41ºC in parts of the south-west and up to 42ºC in some river valleys. The public is urged to drink water frequently, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, take special care of elderly people, children and vulnerable groups, and call 112 immediately if smoke or a fire is seen.
Fire danger remains a major concern
The heatwave comes after a serious wildfire in Girona’s Les Gavarres area, where emergency crews have spent the weekend working around La Bisbal d’Empordà and nearby Costa Brava municipalities. Even where active fires are stabilised, hot, dry and windy conditions can make perimeters harder to secure and increase the risk of flare-ups.
Bombers de la Generalitat said on Saturday night that the La Bisbal d’Empordà wildfire remained stabilised while crews continued consolidating the perimeter. Firefighters warned that work was still focused on strengthening the affected area, monitoring smoke points and preventing the fire from reactivating as weather conditions changed. Source
Why this heatwave feels different
Spain regularly sees high temperatures in July, but heatwaves become more dangerous when they are persistent, arrive with very warm nights and affect large areas at the same time. Warm nights are especially important because the body has less chance to recover, and homes without good cooling can remain hot long after sunset.
The risk is higher for older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers, people living alone, those without air conditioning or shade, and anyone who has to travel or work during the hottest part of the day.
For pets, the same timing matters. Pavements can become dangerously hot, and dogs should not be walked in the strongest heat. Animals need shade, water and cool indoor space, and should never be left in parked vehicles, even briefly.
What residents and visitors should do
People in Spain should avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours where possible, drink water before they feel thirsty, keep homes shaded, check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives, and avoid alcohol-heavy or very strenuous activity in the middle of the day.
Anyone travelling by car should carry water, check traffic and weather conditions before setting off, avoid leaving children, elderly people or pets inside parked vehicles, and be prepared for delays. In rural, forested or roadside areas, extra care is needed with cigarette ends, machinery, barbecues, glass, waste and anything that could generate sparks.
The coming days are also important for tourists. Visitors may underestimate Spanish heat, especially if they are walking around cities, hiking, queuing for attractions, using public transport or staying in accommodation without strong cooling. A beach or pool day can also be risky if people are exposed for too long, drink too little water or ignore the strength of the sun.
Check local alerts before making plans
Weather warnings can vary by province, island and time of day, so residents and visitors should check local AEMET alerts before making plans on Monday and Tuesday. Regional emergency services may also issue their own restrictions or advice where fire danger is especially high.
This is not a reason to panic, but it is a reason to plan. Spain is entering several days when the safest choices will be simple ones: stay cool, avoid unnecessary heat exposure, protect vulnerable people, and take fire-risk warnings seriously.