Lorraine Williamson
Spain is in the grip of its first major heatwave of 2025, and it’s come on with ferocity. Temperatures are soaring to highs of 46°C in parts of Andalucia, Extremadura and Murcia, while large swathes of the country swelter under relentless sun and stagnant heat. Even the nights offer little relief — in some areas, it barely dips below 25°C after dark.
According to state weather agency AEMET, this June could go down as the hottest since records began. The intense heat is expected to last well into July, with Sunday predicted to bring the peak of the extreme conditions.
Saharan winds fuel stifling conditions
The brutal heat is being driven by a dome of high pressure settled over the Iberian Peninsula, pulling in superheated air from North Africa. This influx of Saharan wind — known locally as calima — is not only pushing temperatures to dangerous levels but also blanketing skies in a dusty haze.
This fine dust lingers in the atmosphere, turning sunlight murky and creating difficult conditions for people with asthma or respiratory issues. Air quality in western Spain has deteriorated sharply, prompting warnings for those with underlying health concerns to avoid outdoor exertion.
Orange alerts and tropical nights
AEMET has issued orange-level weather alerts in multiple regions, particularly in the south and interior. Northern areas, while avoiding the worst of the heat, may see a mix of intense thunderstorms and heavy rainfall — the result of clashing air masses.
Even as the sun sets, relief is minimal. Overnight temperatures in cities like Seville, Córdoba and Zaragoza are forecast to stay between 23°C and 26°C — classified as noches tropicales or, in some places, noches ecuatoriales. These “equatorial nights” are particularly hard on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
Government urges public to take precautions
Spain’s health authorities have issued a nationwide advisory urging residents and tourists to stay indoors during peak heat hours — particularly between 1.00 pm and 6.00 pm. The public is also advised to stay hydrated, wear loose clothing, and check in regularly on elderly neighbours or relatives.
Across southern cities like Córdoba, Badajoz and Seville, thermometers are expected to reach a brutal climax of 44–46°C by Sunday. In central Spain — including Madrid, Toledo and Zaragoza — highs of 39–41°C are anticipated. Only the northern coast remains relatively unaffected, with maximum temperatures closer to a manageable 22°C.
A summer of extremes?
This early-season heatwave — named Lorenzo — could mark the beginning of a punishing summer. Meteorologists warn that repeated spells of extreme heat are likely over the coming months, with climate change driving more frequent and intense weather anomalies across southern Europe.
Spain has long been accustomed to hot summers, but this new pattern of prolonged, intense, and earlier heatwaves signals a shift. Last year was already among the hottest on record, and 2025 appears set to continue the trend.
How to stay safe during Spain’s heatwave
-
Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (1.00 pm–6.00pm)
-
Stay hydrated — aim for 2–3 litres of water per day
-
Use fans or air conditioning if available
-
Check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives
-
Wear light, breathable clothing
-
Seek shade or cooling centres in urban areas
As Spain sweats through this early blast of summer, experts warn this may only be the beginning of a longer and hotter season ahead.