Lorraine Williamson
Spain is heading for a striking weather change this week, with cooler, unsettled conditions giving way to temperatures more usually associated with July.
After several days of rain, storms and lower-than-usual temperatures in parts of the country, the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología says the week of 18 to 24 May is likely to be warmer than normal across much of Spain. From Wednesday or Thursday, temperatures could climb above 32 °C to 34 °C in large parts of the north-east and southern half of the Peninsula.
However, the shift will not arrive everywhere at once. Some areas, especially in the north and north-east, may still see cloud, showers or local instability early in the week. But the wider pattern is clear: Spain is moving quickly from spring unsettled weather into an early taste of summer.
What readers should know
This is not yet an official summer heatwave, but it is a notable weather shift in Spain for mid-May. The main impact will be felt later in the week, when daytime temperatures rise sharply and the first tropical nights of the year may arrive in parts of the south. Travellers, outdoor workers, older residents, and anyone planning long drives or airport journeys should check local forecasts before setting off.
Temperatures could exceed 32°C in several regions
AEMET’s weekly forecast says temperatures will rise progressively during the week. By midweek, highs above 32 °C or 34 °C are possible in the north-east and southern half of mainland Spain.
Secondary weather reports based on AEMET forecasts suggest the most intense heat could be felt in areas including Extremadura, Andalucia and parts of the Ebro valley. Badajoz could approach 39 °C towards the end of the week, while Sevilla may reach around 38 °C.
Other inland cities may also see unusually high May temperatures. Forecasts point to possible highs in the mid-30s in Toledo, Cáceres, Zaragoza, Lleida and Córdoba.
First tropical nights may make sleep harder
The change will not only be felt during the day.
AEMET says tropical nights are likely in parts of the southern half of Spain this week. That means minimum overnight temperatures of 20 °C or higher.
For residents in inland towns, large cities and coastal areas where homes retain heat, that can make sleep more difficult. It can also increase the strain on older people, babies and anyone with existing health conditions.
The advice is familiar but important: keep rooms shaded during the hottest part of the day, drink water regularly, avoid heavy exercise in peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives.
Rain and storms not completely gone
The warmer pattern does not mean the whole country will be dry from Monday.
Catalonia remains one of the areas to watch at the start of the week, with forecasts pointing to possible showers and storms, especially in Girona and parts of the north-east. AEMET’s warning pages should be checked for the latest local alerts before travelling.
Elsewhere, a front moving through the north may bring more cloud and some light rain, particularly around Galicia and the Cantabrian area. However, AEMET expects rainfall for the week overall to be scarce and below normal for the time of year.
Why the change matters for residents and visitors
The timing of this warmer spell matters. Spain is moving towards the busier travel season, with more people on roads, in airports and planning outdoor events.
Even when temperatures are not officially extreme, a sudden jump after cooler days can catch people out. That is especially true for tourists arriving from the UK and northern Europe, foreign residents unused to early-season heat, and people travelling with children or pets.
Drivers should also take extra care on longer journeys. Hotter afternoons can increase fatigue, while crowded weekend roads may add pressure if temperatures peak towards Friday or Saturday.
A warmer pattern may continue into early June
AEMET says uncertainty increases for the following week, from 25 to 31 May. However, current models suggest Spain could again see temperatures above normal across much of the country.
There is less confidence around rainfall. AEMET says there is no clear trend for precipitation in the final week of May, and the forecast could change in future updates.
For now, the practical message is simple. Spain is moving into a much warmer spell, and the second half of this week could feel more like early summer than late spring.
A sharp reminder that summer is close
Spain’s weather can change quickly in May, and this week is a clear example. Rain and unsettled skies have not disappeared completely, but the dominant story is now the rising heat.