Spain is bracing for scorching temperatures surpassing 45C as regions of the Iberian peninsula prepare for another intense heatwave. The Spanish meteorological agency, Aemet, has issued a warning that the heatwave will begin on Tuesday, July 21, and persist until at least Thursday, July 23. Hugo Morán, Aemet’s president and Spain’s secretary of state for the environment, has highlighted the country’s ongoing series of consecutive heatwaves.
The upcoming heatwave will primarily impact southeastern Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, Ebro valley, northeastern depressions, Pyrenees valleys, and inland Mallorca. Aemet attributes the extreme temperatures to a stationary low-pressure system northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, in conjunction with a mid-level high-pressure system over North Africa, resulting in a mass of warm, arid air laden with suspended dust moving over southeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Aemet anticipates this air mass to extend across a large part of the country in the following days, leading to a gradual temperature increase, with exceptionally high values expected the following week. The agency warns of a “significant or even extraordinary” risk to individuals engaged in outdoor activities and vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with cardiovascular conditions. While Aemet cannot provide a definite end date for the heatwave due to multiple variables, it indicates that temperatures are likely to remain dangerously high until the approaching weekend.
Monday will witness elevated temperatures in the eastern and southeastern parts of Spain, including the Balearic Islands, with temperatures ranging from 36-38C and peaking at 40C in certain locations. Subsequently, temperatures could soar to 42C on Tuesday in low-lying regions and inland Mallorca, with readings of up to 39C in other affected areas. The climax of the heatwave is forecasted to occur between Wednesday and Thursday, as per Aemet.
By Thursday, temperatures along the Mediterranean coast are set to surge to 44C due to westerly winds. Aemet suggests that uncertainties may emerge on Friday, July 24, with the potential arrival of cooler air from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, potentially initiating a widespread temperature decline in the ensuing days. Nevertheless, the agency advises that high temperatures are probable in numerous regions on Friday. Nights are also expected to remain warm, posing medium to high health risks in popular tourist destinations like Malaga, Alicante, and Barcelona due to the intense heat.
The Spanish health ministry has advised the public to stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and avoid direct sun exposure during peak daytime temperatures. Particularly vulnerable groups include the elderly, pregnant women, young children, individuals with chronic ailments, and outdoor workers.
This marks Spain’s third heatwave this summer. Furthermore, the heightened temperatures are escalating wildfire risks, with significant blazes already raging in Zaragoza and Guadalajara. Euronews reports that these wildfires, particularly the one near Orés, Zaragoza, have been burning uncontrollably, scorching a vast area and posing severe threats to the environment. Another blaze in Sierra Norte de Guadalajara in La Mierla has been active since earlier in the week, impacting thousands of hectares with uncertain prospects for containment.
This year’s average temperatures have shattered previous records, surpassing the 2024 benchmark by 0.4C. From June 1 to July 15, Spain experienced temperatures 3.3C above the normal values for this period.
