The heatwave alert in Catalunya will pause on Saturday but return Monday. Authorities warn of another surge in extreme temperatures, especially inland. The rest of Spain will see milder conditions, but risks remain.
The intense heatwave that has gripped much of Spain is easing in most regions, but Catalunya is bracing for another surge in extreme temperatures next week. While the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet) has officially ended the heatwave for the Peninsula, the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (SMC) will keep the heat alert active through Friday. A brief respite is expected on Saturday, but forecasts indicate that high temperatures will return from Monday, with the risk period likely extending until at least Friday, July 17.
According to SMC, the coming days will bring only a temporary drop in temperatures. Friday may still see heat thresholds exceeded in parts of inland Catalunya, while Saturday should offer a short break with no official warnings. However, by Sunday, temperatures are expected to climb again, repeating the extreme values recorded earlier this week. Observatorio Fabra in Barcelona recently registered 40.9ºC, and Vinebre in Ribera d’Ebre reached 41.1ºC, among several new heat records. The situation was compounded by a stifling night in Portbou, where the minimum temperature did not fall below 31.9ºC.
This summer’s heatwave in Catalunya is unfolding in two distinct phases. The first, marked by three days of intense heat, has just ended. The second phase is set to begin next week, with meteorologists warning that the region could experience another period of oppressive temperatures, particularly on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. SMC experts caution that while it is uncertain if Catalunya will surpass its all-time record of 45.5ºC set in Figueres last July, temperatures above 42ºC or even 43ºC are likely in some areas.
The highest risk remains in the interior regions, especially the Pla de Lleida (including Segrià, Urgell, Noguera, Pla d’Urgell, and Garrigues), as well as central Catalunya and the Empordà. The pre-coastal zone is also expected to suffer, and Barcelona could again see oppressive conditions. The duration of this heatwave is notable, with comparisons drawn to last August’s 11-day event. SMC suggests that a more significant drop in temperatures may not arrive until July 17 or 18, potentially ending the current alert.
Across Spain, Aemet forecasts milder conditions for the weekend, with temperatures above 40ºC mainly in the northeast. Rain is expected in the Cantabrian region and mountain areas, while the western third of the Peninsula will see more moderate temperatures. Cities like Zaragoza, Ourense, Pamplona, and Lleida are predicted to reach 40ºC on various days, while coastal cities such as A Coruña, Cádiz, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria will experience cooler weather. On Sunday, temperatures will fall in the west and center, especially in Galicia, but rise again in western Andalucía and the Pyrenees. The Mediterranean and Balearic regions will continue to face intense heat, with some areas exceeding normal values by more than 10ºC.
Looking ahead, there is still uncertainty in next week’s forecasts. Monday should bring cooler air to the far north, but the Mediterranean will see another temperature rise, which is expected to persist into Tuesday. The western Peninsula may experience seasonally cool conditions, but the northeast and Mediterranean will remain unusually hot, particularly in parts of País Vasco, Navarra, Aragón, and Catalunya.
Spain’s weather extremes are not limited to heat. The country is also preparing for major sporting events, such as the Tour de France, which this year begins in Barcelona. The opening stages are expected to test riders with both high temperatures and challenging terrain, as highlighted in recent coverage of Isaac del Toro’s debut with UAE Team Emirates in the 2026 edition. For more on the impact of these conditions on international events, see the report on the Tour de France’s Barcelona start.
Heatwaves have become increasingly frequent and severe in Spain over the past decade, often straining public health systems and infrastructure. Authorities continue to urge residents to take precautions, especially in high-risk areas. The ongoing pattern of alternating heat surges and brief lulls highlights the challenges of forecasting and managing extreme weather in a changing climate. As the summer progresses, both local and national agencies remain on alert for further developments.
