Spain’s record heatwave is fading as an Atlantic front arrives. Aemet forecasts strong storms and hail, especially in the northeast. Five regions remain on alert for high temperatures despite the cooling trend.
Spain faces a rapid weather turnaround this week as the prolonged heatwave that dominated recent days gives way to a new Atlantic front. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has issued warnings for severe storms and hail, particularly in the northeast, while much of the country will see a marked drop in temperatures. Despite this shift, several regions remain under alert for extreme heat during peak hours.
The most significant changes are expected in the north and west, where the front will first make landfall in Galicia, bringing overcast skies and rain that will gradually spread to other parts of the northwest. As the day progresses, cloud cover will increase across much of northern Spain, while the rest of the country will experience more variable conditions before clearer skies return from west to east.
Aemet highlights the northeast as the area of greatest concern. Forecasts indicate that storms could intensify around the lower Ebro and Lleida, with a real risk of hail. Other parts of Catalonia and Aragón may also see locally heavy showers as afternoon cloud development triggers further instability. This pattern echoes recent weather shifts in the Basque region, where rain and cooler air marked the start of August.
Maximum temperatures are set to fall across most of the peninsula, but the heat will not disappear overnight. Thermometers are still expected to exceed 35°C in large areas of the east and south, as well as in parts of the Balearic Islands. In the Canary Islands, the situation remains even more extreme: a persistent mass of hot air could push local highs close to 40°C, and elevated haze will continue to reduce visibility and intensify the feeling of discomfort.
Minimum temperatures will vary by region. While central and northern Spain may see slight increases overnight, Andalucía will experience cooler nights, and little change is expected elsewhere. However, many towns will still endure 'tropical nights'—when temperatures do not fall below 20°C—especially in the southeast and Balearics. Some Mediterranean coastal areas may not dip below 25°C, and in the Canaries, 'equatorial nights' with lows above 30°C are possible, making restful sleep difficult in coastal zones.
Five autonomous communities—Andalucía, Aragón, Balearic Islands, Catalonia, and Murcia—remain under heat alerts from Aemet during the hottest part of the day. This underlines that, while the heatwave is weakening, the risk from high temperatures persists, particularly in the south and along the Mediterranean, where the cooling effect of the front will be less pronounced.
Wind patterns will also shift. Galicia will see moderate southerly winds, while the southern coasts will experience moderate westerlies. Elsewhere, light winds will prevail, strengthening in the afternoon. Early morning fog banks are possible in parts of the north, east, and Balearics. In the Canaries, the trade wind will continue, with strong gusts in exposed areas.
For context, Spain’s climate is marked by sharp contrasts between regions. Atlantic fronts often bring relief from heat but can trigger severe storms, especially when hot air masses linger. The persistence of high nighttime temperatures—known as 'tropical nights'—has become more common in recent years, complicating rest and increasing health risks. The combination of heat, humidity, and sudden storms can also impact agriculture, infrastructure, and daily routines, particularly in coastal and island communities. As weather patterns grow more unpredictable, timely alerts from Aemet and local authorities remain crucial for public safety and planning.
