Anomalous Heat in Spain to Be Replaced by Cooler Weather: Aemet Announces Temperature Drop. After record-breaking heat, Spain is expected to see a drop in temperatures. Aemet forecasts a decline starting Tuesday, although abnormal conditions will persist. In Italy, five cities have been placed on red alert due to the heat.
Spain ends May under the influence of heat atypical for this time of year: in several regions, temperatures exceeded 35 degrees, which usually happens only in July. According to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), relief is expected in the north of the country in the coming days, and from Tuesday, temperatures will begin to gradually decrease throughout the peninsula. However, as the agency notes, even after the heat subsides, it will remain above average for late spring.
On Friday, heat warnings remain in effect for northern areas and the Ebro Valley. Seven autonomous communities are under yellow-level alerts, while Bizkaia is under an orange alert, indicating a more serious risk. In the final days of May, the heat arrived following an almost three-week period of cool weather, and since the 18th, temperatures have surged, raising concerns among meteorologists and authorities.
According to Aemet forecasts, the second week of June will also be marked by a "heat anomaly," though the intensity will decrease. Long-term models show that the summer of 2026 could be warmer than usual, especially in northern and eastern Spain. Authorities advise residents to monitor updates and take precautions, particularly in regions with active warnings.
While Spain prepares for changes, the situation in Italy remains tense: the Ministry of Health has declared a red alert level in five major cities—Rome, Bologna, Brescia, Florence, and Turin. In the capital, temperatures have also reached 35 degrees, prompting authorities to restrict outdoor construction and agricultural work from 12:30 to 16:00 until mid-September. Heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected in northern Italy as early as Friday, and civil protection services have issued warnings about possible downpours, squalls, and hail.
Amid weather anomalies, authorities in European countries are strengthening safety measures and adjusting outdoor work schedules. In Spain, as in Italy, particular attention is paid to protecting vulnerable groups and preventing health risks. In this context, enhanced security measures remain in place in Madrid as well: recently, city authorities decided to increase security measures significantly and impose restrictions during the visit of Leon XIV, as detailed in the article about the new security rules in the capital.
For reference: according to the World Meteorological Organization, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Europe have increased significantly in recent years. In 2022 and 2023, Spain already faced record temperatures, which led to a revision of several health and labor regulations. Authorities recommend closely monitoring forecasts and following heat protection guidelines, especially during periods of unstable weather.
