Heat across the peninsula climbs as the weekend arrives
A new spell of hot weather is forecast to sweep the peninsula starting next Saturday, with the peak especially on Sunday. While the exact reach, duration, and strength are still being assessed, forecasters anticipate temperatures running roughly 5 to 10 degrees above usual levels in many areas. Aemet spokesperson Rubén Del Campo confirmed that the heat peak is on the horizon, signaling a notable surge as August begins.
Forecasts point to a rise in daytime heat across interior regions next weekend, with daytime highs likely to exceed 35 degrees Celsius in numerous locations and approaching 40 degrees in the western, central, and southern zones. In the valleys carved by the Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir rivers, heat could feel especially intense, amplified by hot air settling into these low-lying basins.
In southern Galicia, particularly the Miño Valley, thermometers are expected to read 10 degrees or more above average. Across the western third of the country, maximum temperatures are projected to be 5 to 10 degrees above seasonal norms, while the eastern regions and the Balearic Islands should see more typical late-summer conditions.
By Monday, the heat wave is set to intensify further, with the northern half of the peninsula facing the strongest rise. Del Campo noted that August 1 could bring temperatures above 35 degrees in most of Spain, with some areas nearing 40 degrees near Miño, the Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir basins.
tropical nights
Night temperatures are expected to stay above 20 degrees Celsius, giving a tropical feel to the evenings. The overall chance of storms is likely to decline, though pockets of activity may still arise in the Mediterranean basin, the central regions, and the southern portion of the peninsula. A northeast weekend pattern and other interior points could still spawn occasional storm development.
A recent heat wave photo shows a thermometer at 46ºC in Bilbao, illustrating the kind of extreme conditions that have been observed in past events. The image is credited to Luis Fabric / EFE.
Facing this scenario, a spokesperson from Aemet described the coming days as a hot episode starting Saturday and peaking on Sunday. The agency also cautioned that the heat could persist into the first half of August, potentially maintaining extreme conditions in some areas. While the warmth brings risks, there is some relief in the form of isolated storms that may interrupt the hottest air masses, particularly in the northern half of the peninsula.
Earlier in the week, temperatures across much of Spain had cooled somewhat to more moderate levels, but the recent trend shows a sharp rebound. National weather service data indicate readings in the upper 30s to mid-40s Celsius in several regions, and authorities have issued alerts for extreme heat while advising residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor exposure during peak heat hours. The evolving forecast highlights the variability of late-summer weather, with intensely hot spells interspersed with breaks that may bring temporary relief in some locales.
In summary, the coming days are likely to bring a pronounced heat event across much of Spain, with daytime highs climbing well above normal and nighttime temperatures staying uncomfortably warm. While some regions may experience brief relief from storms, the overall pattern points to persistent warmth through early August. This underscores the importance of heat safety measures for vulnerable groups, outdoor workers, and those in heat-prone environments. The public is encouraged to monitor official updates as forecasts evolve and to follow local guidance on staying cool and safe during this significant heat episode.