Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s third heatwave of the summer is expected to begin on Tuesday, bringing several days of dangerously high temperatures across much of the mainland and the Balearic Islands.
The most intense conditions are forecast in the south and south-east, where temperatures could locally exceed 45°C on Thursday. Meanwhile, warm nights, extreme wildfire danger and the possibility of dry thunderstorms will add to the risks.
The official heatwave period is currently expected to run from Tuesday 21 July until at least Thursday 23 July, although forecasters have warned that it could continue into Friday or the weekend. Temperatures have already been rising across the country, with parts of Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón, Murcia and Mallorca experiencing intense heat on Monday.
Which areas will face the highest temperatures?
The worst conditions are expected across the south-eastern third of mainland Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, the Ebro valley, the north-eastern depressions, the Pyrenean valleys and inland Mallorca. Protección Civil says temperatures will exceed 42°C in parts of eastern and southern Spain and the Balearic Islands, with isolated readings above 45°C possible in the Guadalquivir valley, southern Andalucía and the Region of Murcia.
On Tuesday, maximum temperatures are expected to reach between 39°C and 41°C in the Ebro valley, the north-eastern depressions, eastern Castilla-La Mancha, the upper and middle Guadalquivir valley and inland Mallorca. The Genil basin could reach 40°C to 42°C, while inland areas of the south-east are forecast to record between 41°C and 43°C, with some locations locally exceeding 44°C.
Temperatures are forecast to rise again across the south-west on Wednesday. The south-east will remain the principal area of concern, with readings of 41°C to 43°C and isolated temperatures above 44°C, while the Guadalquivir valley, nearby mountain areas and the Genil basin could reach between 40°C and 42°C.
Thursday expected to be the hottest day
Thursday is currently expected to be the peak of the heatwave. Temperatures could reach between 42°C and 44°C across the south-eastern third of the mainland, with isolated locations exceeding 45°C.
The Guadalquivir valley, nearby mountain areas and the Genil basin could reach 41°C to 43°C, while maximums of 40°C to 42°C are forecast in the Ebro valley and north-eastern depressions. Eastern Castilla-La Mancha could see temperatures between 39°C and 41°C.
Inland Mallorca is expected to experience some relief on Thursday, with temperatures falling to approximately 37°C to 39°C. Elsewhere, however, the accumulation of heat over several days will make conditions increasingly difficult, particularly in places where night-time temperatures remain high.
AEMET’s current warning pages should be checked regularly because alert levels can change as the forecast is updated. Orange warnings indicate a significant risk, while red warnings are reserved for exceptional danger and require immediate precautions.
Hot nights will make recovery difficult
The high daytime temperatures will be accompanied by very warm nights, particularly in the Mediterranean, southern Spain and densely built urban areas. In some places, temperatures may remain above 25°C through much of the night.
These conditions prevent homes and the human body from cooling properly after sunset. People without air conditioning, those living in top-floor properties and residents of heavily urbanised areas may find the cumulative effects particularly difficult as the heatwave continues.
Opening windows may provide little relief when outside temperatures remain high. Where possible, homes should be ventilated early in the morning and then kept shaded during the hottest part of the day.
People using fans should remember that air movement does not lower the room temperature. Fans can improve comfort, but during extreme heat they should be combined with hydration, cool showers, shaded rooms or time spent in an air-conditioned public space.
Tips on how to stay cool when it is hot in Spain
Extreme wildfire danger returns
The heatwave will push wildfire danger back to extreme levels across large areas of Spain. Vegetation is already exceptionally dry following earlier periods of intense heat, while emergency services remain engaged with several major fires.
Protection Civil has also warned of possible dry afternoon thunderstorms over mountain areas. These storms may produce strong, erratic gusts and lightning with little meaningful rain, creating conditions in which new fires can start and existing blazes can change direction rapidly.
People should avoid any activity capable of producing sparks or flames, including barbecues in unauthorised areas, discarded cigarettes, machinery used close to dry vegetation and vehicles parked over tall grass. Anyone who sees smoke or flames should move away and contact 112 immediately.
Visitors should also check whether parks, forests, walking trails or natural areas have been closed. Restrictions may be introduced with little notice when local authorities consider the fire danger too high.
Outdoor work and exercise carry greater risks
Protection Civil describes the danger during the central hours of the day as particularly significant for outdoor activity and vulnerable people. Strenuous exercise, manual work and long periods in direct sunlight should be avoided during the hottest hours, especially between midday and early evening.
Employers must assess the risks facing people working outside or in workplaces where temperatures cannot be adequately controlled. Tasks may need to be moved to cooler hours, reduced or suspended when weather warnings indicate that continuing would place workers in danger.
Tourists should not underestimate the heat because they are on holiday. Sightseeing, walking through historic centres, hiking and waiting in exposed queues can all become dangerous when temperatures exceed 40°C.
Anyone exercising should choose the coolest part of the morning, carry more water than usual and stop immediately if they experience weakness, headache, nausea, dizziness or confusion.
Who is most vulnerable?
High temperatures can cause dehydration, cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women and those with cardiovascular, respiratory or other chronic illnesses face a greater risk.
People taking certain medications may also be more vulnerable, while those who live alone, have limited mobility or cannot keep their home cool may need additional support. Friends, relatives and neighbours are encouraged to check on anyone who may struggle during several consecutive days of extreme heat.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include a very high body temperature, confusion, loss of coordination, seizures or unconsciousness. Emergency assistance should be requested immediately by calling 112.
The Ministry of Health’s national heat plan warns that exposure to excessive temperatures can affect the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature and may lead to serious multi-organ complications.
How to stay safe during the heatwave
Water should be drunk regularly, even before feeling thirsty, while alcohol and drinks containing large amounts of caffeine or sugar should be limited. Meals should be lighter, with fruit, vegetables and foods that help replace fluids and salts.
People should remain in the coolest available part of the home during the afternoon and close blinds, shutters or curtains before direct sunlight reaches the windows. Cool showers, damp cloths and loose, lightweight clothing can help lower body temperature.
Children, older relatives and pets must never be left inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes. The interior temperature can rise rapidly, including when the car is parked in partial shade or the windows have been left slightly open.
Medication should be stored according to the instructions, as excessive heat may affect some products. Anyone unsure whether their treatment changes the body’s response to heat should speak to a pharmacist or medical professional rather than altering medication without advice.
Travelling during extreme heat
Drivers should check tyres, coolant, oil and air conditioning before beginning a long journey. Water should be carried for every passenger, and breaks should be taken regularly rather than waiting until someone feels unwell.
Journeys through inland Andalucía, Murcia, Castilla-La Mancha, Aragón or other severely affected areas should be planned outside the hottest period where possible. Drivers should also check for road closures caused by wildfires or emergency operations.
Pets travelling by car need regular access to water and must not be left unattended. Their paws can also be burned by hot pavements, so walks should be limited to the cooler morning and evening hours.
Flight and rail services are not automatically cancelled by high temperatures, but delays can occur if infrastructure is affected or working conditions become unsafe. Travellers should check directly with their operator before setting out.
When will temperatures fall?
Current forecasts suggest more widespread temperature falls could begin on Friday 24 July and continue into the weekend. However, the level of uncertainty remains high, and forecasters have not ruled out the heatwave lasting beyond Thursday.
Even where daytime temperatures begin to fall, homes, roads and urban areas may retain heat built up over several days. Health risks therefore do not disappear immediately when the meteorological episode ends.
AEMET warnings and regional health alerts should be checked each day because the danger varies considerably between locations. The temperature at which heat becomes a serious health risk is not identical in every part of Spain, and local health thresholds may be reached before the highest national figures.
For the next several days, the clearest advice is to reduce exposure during the afternoon, drink water regularly, check on vulnerable people and take wildfire restrictions seriously. With temperatures potentially exceeding 45°C, Thursday in particular could bring dangerous conditions across parts of southern and south-eastern Spain.