Lorraine Williamson
Spain’s summer has flipped into overdrive, unleashing a volatile mix of suffocating heatwaves and violent electrical storms. While southern provinces brace under cloudless skies and highs soaring beyond 40ºC, the north is being battered by thunderstorms, sudden hail showers, and dramatic lightning strikes.
The striking divergence is driven by a cocktail of meteorological extremes. A layer of cool air high in the atmosphere is clashing with the intense daytime heat. Meanwhile, excess moisture from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean fuels storm development — especially over northern and central Spain.
Storm hotspots: Pyrenees, Ebro, and northern ranges on alert
Northern regions are in the storm firing line this week. Meteorologists have issued warnings for areas stretching from Galicia to inland Cantabria, through Castile and León, the Pyrenees, and around the upper Ebro valley. Lightning activity is expected to intensify, and hail is likely in parts of the interior and mountain ranges, where the humid heat of the day will rapidly destabilise the air.
Despite slightly cooler daytime highs compared to the south, the atmosphere remains heavy and unsettled. Storms may trigger flash flooding in some areas and pose risks for hikers and travellers crossing mountain routes.
Southern Spain scorches under relentless sun and Sahara dust
Meanwhile, Andalucia, Extremadura, and the southern plateau face relentless sun and little to no relief. The calima — the desert dust blown from the Sahara — continues to blanket large swathes of the country, blurring skies and reducing air quality.
In cities such as Córdoba and Seville, temperatures are pushing 42ºC during the day and refusing to drop below 25ºC at night — the threshold for what’s known as noches tropicales or even noches ecuatoriales, where sleep becomes a struggle and heat-related health issues spike.
Hot winds and wildfire fears grow in the south
Here in Marbella, temperatures are soaring well above the seasonal norm. But it’s the wind that’s adding a dangerous new dimension. Unlike the gentle breezes locals rely on to take the edge off the heat, this wind is hot, dry and forceful — perfect fuel for wildfire outbreaks.
Authorities across southern Spain are on heightened alert, especially in rural and wooded areas surrounding Málaga, Granada and Jaén. With vegetation already dry after weeks of scorching sun and no significant rainfall in sight, the risk of wildfires is now classed as “extreme” in much of Andalucia.
Even small sparks — from barbecues, discarded cigarette butts or electrical faults — could trigger fast-moving blazes. Residents and tourists alike are being urged to exercise caution and report any signs of smoke immediately.
Tropical nights and urban heat traps
Even in central cities like Madrid, the mercury remains stubbornly high. Although forecasts suggest a minor dip — from 39ºC down to 36ºC — the overnight warmth lingers. This is particularly severe in urban areas, where concrete absorbs and radiates heat long after sunset, fuelling ongoing tropical nights that exhaust the body and mind.
Hospitals have already seen a rise in heat-related cases this week, particularly among the elderly and vulnerable. Residents are being advised to avoid outdoor activity during peak hours and stay hydrated.
Brief respite before heat returns
Looking ahead, a slight and temporary cooling is expected after the weekend — but don’t unpack the jumpers just yet. Forecasters warn that another blast of extreme heat is building behind this pause, set to push daytime highs back above 40ºC across southern Spain by mid-next week.
Climate scientists have repeatedly pointed to longer, more intense and frequent heatwaves as one of the clearest signs of climate change on the Iberian Peninsula — and July 2025 is already reinforcing that trend.
Spain’s weather rollercoaster shows no signs of stopping
With no lasting break on the horizon, much of Spain faces more intense heat, more unstable skies, and uncomfortable nights. As Saharan dust clouds the air and storms spark across the mountains, this summer’s extremes are stretching endurance levels nationwide. Moreover, the season has only just begun!