Spain is bracing for a new wave of extreme heat and storms. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued widespread alerts as temperatures are set to climb to 42°C in parts of the country. After a brief spell of stable weather, with clear skies and an eclipse, the forecast now points to a sharp rise in heat and storm activity, especially heading into the weekend. AEMET’s Meteoalerta system issues warnings for hazardous weather up to 72 hours ahead, updating them as conditions develop.
From Thursday, more than half of Spain is under warning for dangerously high temperatures. The most intense heat is expected in the south, with Badajoz, Córdoba and Jaén, along with Zaragoza, forecast to approach 42°C over the next 72 hours. Northern regions are also affected: Pamplona is likely to exceed 40°C, while the Balearic Islands face unusually high temperatures for this time of year. AEMET publishes alerts by autonomous community and hazard type. Its map marks the center, south and northeast as the most at-risk zones, with much of the country in yellow for extreme heat.
Maximum temperatures are forecast to rise further in the northeast and the Canary Islands. They are expected to remain above 35°C across most of the peninsula and exceed 40°C in the southwest river valleys and southern plateau. Nighttime temperatures are also rising. Tropical nights, when the mercury does not drop below 20°C, are expected across large areas of the south, northeast and the islands. Even some low-lying northern areas could see overnight temperatures above 25°C. AEMET’s station-observation service reports hourly readings, along with recent extremes and accumulated values, providing a record of observed conditions alongside forecasts.
Alongside the heat, a new episode of showers and storms is moving in from the northeast and spreading along the Mediterranean coast. Wildfire risk is now critical across nearly all of mainland Spain, as high temperatures combine with unstable weather. Strong storms are forecast in the interior east, possibly bringing hail and very strong wind gusts. The most severe conditions are expected in the southeast. AEMET says these will be typical summer storms, though some areas could see impressive impacts. Its warning structure assesses heat separately from storm-related hazards such as hail and strong winds, which may affect different areas or require separate alerts.
Friday and the weekend will bring further storm activity to the northern and eastern halves of the peninsula, with hail and strong winds likely. Elsewhere, storms will be more sporadic, but rain could reach the Mediterranean coast if Saturday’s forecast holds. The south will continue to endure extreme heat, with temperatures above 40°C. An Atlantic trough will bring more unstable conditions, especially in the far north, where persistent rain is possible. As the day progresses, clouds are expected to build across much of the country, except the southwest, bringing further showers and storms, particularly in mountainous and eastern regions. Fog banks may also form in the far north and along the Alborán coast. AEMET updates its alerts as hazardous weather develops, so affected areas and warning levels can shift during the forecast period.
Authorities are urging caution, especially in areas at greatest risk of wildfires. The AEMET warning map shows impressive danger in Andalusia, the Ebro valley and inland Galicia. Meteorologist César Gonzalo, speaking on Antena 3, stressed the importance of avoiding travel through forests or along rural paths to prevent accidental fires. Fire risk remains very high or extreme across much of Spain, and the agency continues to urge vigilance. Spain’s experience with prolonged heat also shows how impacts can extend beyond immediate weather hazards: Reuters reported that heat and scarce rainfall during the June-to-August 2023 episode damaged olive flowers in Carcabuey, Córdoba, before they could open and pollinate.
The current trend suggests that the heat will persist at least until the end of August, with further anomalies in precipitation possible. AEMET has not yet declared an official heatwave, but that could change if high temperatures continue. Relief is not expected until September, when temperatures are forecast to return gradually to normal levels. A recent analysis of previous weather shifts showed how quickly conditions can change across the country, reinforcing the need to follow official forecasts and safety recommendations.
August in Spain often brings intense heat, but this episode stands out for its duration and the combination of high temperatures with severe storms. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely and will issue updates as conditions evolve. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed and take precautions during this period of heightened risk.
