Spain is bracing for its hottest week of the summer as a scorching heatwave is set to push temperatures above 45°C in several popular British tourist destinations. The extreme weather, forecast by Spain's meteorological agency Aemet, will affect southeastern Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, Ebro valley, northeastern depressions, Pyrenees valleys, and inland Mallorca starting Tuesday, July 21, and lasting at least through Thursday, July 23.
Heatwave Details and Health Risks
Aemet president and Spain's secretary of state for the environment, Hugo Morán, stated that the country has entered a chain of successive heatwaves. The agency explained that a blocking pattern formed by a stationary cut-off low northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, combined with a mid-level high over North Africa, is causing a mass of warm, dry air laden with suspended dust to intrude over southeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands. This air mass will spread across much of the country, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures that will reach very high values next week.
Aemet warned of a "significant or even extraordinary" risk for those engaging in outdoor activities and vulnerable populations, including the elderly and individuals with cardiovascular diseases. The agency noted that temperatures are likely to "continue at dangerous levels until next weekend."
Temperature Forecast
On Monday, temperatures are expected to reach 36-38°C in the eastern and southeastern thirds of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands, with some areas hitting 40°C. Tuesday could see up to 42°C in low-lying areas and inland Mallorca, with other affected regions reaching 39°C. The peak of the heatwave is forecast between Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures rising along the Mediterranean coast due to westerly winds, potentially reaching 44°C.
Aemet stated: "On Friday the 24th, uncertainty increases considerably. Although the most likely scenario at the moment is the arrival of a cooler air mass from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, which would initiate a temperature drop that would become more widespread in the following days, it cannot be ruled out that this arrival could be delayed for a few more days, prolonging the heatwave." Nights will remain very warm, with popular tourist areas like Malaga, Alicante, and Barcelona facing medium or high health risk due to extreme heat.
Health Advice and Wildfire Risks
Spain's ministry of health urged people to drink water regularly, stay cool, and avoid direct sun exposure during the middle of the day. Those most at risk include the elderly, pregnant women, children under four, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers.
This will be Spain's third heatwave this summer. Wildfire danger levels are increasing, with major blazes already raging in Zaragoza and Guadalajara. According to Euronews, two forest fires have been burning out of control for several days. The most serious fire near Orés, Zaragoza, has been evaluated as the worst this year, burning approximately 15,400 hectares with a perimeter of about 60 km. The second fire in Sierra Norte de Guadalajara has affected around 6,000 hectares since mid-week, with local authorities pessimistic about its evolution.
Record Temperatures
This year's average temperature has surpassed the previous record set in 2024 by 0.4°C. Between June 1 and July 15, the average temperature in Spain was 3.3°C above normal values for this time of year.
