Spain is bracing for scorching temperatures exceeding 45C as certain regions of the Iberian peninsula face another intense heatwave. Aemet, Spain’s weather authority, has issued a heatwave warning starting from Tuesday, July 21, and lasting until at least Thursday, July 23. Hugo Morán, the president of Aemet and Spain’s environment secretary, highlighted the country’s series of consecutive heatwaves.
The upcoming heatwave will impact southeastern Spain, the Guadalquivir valley, Ebro valley, northeastern depressions, Pyrenees valleys, and inland Mallorca. Aemet attributes this extreme weather to a blocking pattern caused by a stationary cut-off low near the Iberian Peninsula and a mid-level high over North Africa, resulting in a mass of warm, dry air with suspended dust moving into southeastern Spain and the Balearic Islands.
The weather agency warns of a “significant or even extraordinary” risk to individuals engaging in outdoor activities, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with cardiovascular conditions. Although Aemet cannot predict the exact end of the heatwave due to several factors, it anticipates persistently high temperatures until the weekend.
Monday will see high temperatures in eastern and southeastern Spain, as well as the Balearic Islands, ranging from 36-38C, with some areas hitting 40C. On Tuesday, temperatures may soar to 42C in low-lying regions and inland Mallorca, while other affected areas could reach 39C. The peak of the heatwave is expected between Wednesday and Thursday, according to Aemet.
Temperatures will continue to climb along the Mediterranean coast on Thursday due to westerly winds, potentially reaching 44C. Aemet suggests the arrival of cooler air on Friday from the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula may lead to a gradual temperature decrease, but high temperatures are likely to persist in many areas.
Residents are advised by Spain’s health ministry to stay hydrated, keep cool, and avoid direct sunlight during peak daytime temperatures. The elderly, pregnant women, young children, individuals with chronic ailments, and outdoor workers are at higher risk. This marks Spain’s third heatwave of the summer, with an escalated risk of wildfires due to the extreme heat, including ongoing blazes in Zaragoza and Guadalajara.
Euronews reports that two major forest fires have been raging out of control for several days, with the Orés fire in Zaragoza burning a significant area and the Sierra Norte de Guadalajara fire continuing to spread. This year’s average temperature has surpassed the previous record set in 2024 by 0.4C, with temperatures well above normal values for the season.
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