Spain is bracing for its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 45°C in some areas, potentially making it the hottest week of the season. The extreme weather, driven by a mass of hot and dry air from North Africa, is expected to intensify from Tuesday, July 21, and last at least until Thursday, July 23, according to Spain's State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).
Temperature Peaks and Affected Regions
Temperatures are forecast to climb gradually, peaking on Thursday, July 23, when parts of the south-eastern third of mainland Spain could approach or exceed 45°C. The highest temperatures are expected in Andalusia, the Ebro valley, north-eastern depressions, the Genil basin, and inland areas of Mallorca, where maximums could remain above 40°C for several consecutive days. Aemet has warned that some areas may see temperatures of 44-45°C on Wednesday and Thursday.
The heatwave is being caused by an atmospheric blocking pattern, strengthened by a cut-off low to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. This combination allows a mass of hot, dry air carrying suspended dust from North Africa to settle over much of Spain and the Balearic Islands.
Health Risks and Precautions
Forecasters have highlighted the danger of particularly warm nights, which can prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat. The risk is considered significant around midday, especially for outdoor workers, older people, and those with cardiovascular diseases. Authorities urge maximum precautions, particularly on Thursday when the heat is expected to peak.
Wildfire Threat
The soaring temperatures are expected to push the risk of forest fires to extreme levels. Firefighters are already battling two major wildfires: one near Orés, Zaragoza, which has burned around 15,400 hectares and forced several town evacuations, with a perimeter of about 60 kilometers; and another in the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, affecting nearly 6,000 hectares, with officials pessimistic about its development. The situation could be worsened by dry thunderstorms over mountainous areas, producing lightning but little rain, potentially sparking new fires.
Officials have warned that Spain has entered a "chain of successive heatwaves," complicating efforts to manage the growing forest fire risk.
Summer Temperature Anomaly
This heatwave comes during an already exceptionally hot summer. Average temperatures between June 1 and July 15 were 3.3°C above normal, according to Aemet.
