Galicia was hit by an intense heatwave on Sunday, prompting the regional government to declare a red alert in 109 municipalities and halt outdoor federated and school sports in affected areas. The measures aimed to reduce health risks as inland temperatures approached 40°C during the region’s first major heat episode of the summer, with beaches also filling.
Information from MeteoGalicia, Ourense recorded the highest temperature, reaching 39°C at 15:30, while Lugo reached 36°C. In Lugo province, mountain areas faced another weather threat: an orange storm warning was issued from 3 p.m., with forecasts of hail and rainfall of up to 30 litres per square metre in one hour. The Directorate General of Emergencies and Interior urged caution on the roads amid the risk of sudden downpours and slippery conditions.
Elsewhere, Santiago and Ferrol recorded highs of 34°C and 33°C, respectively. Pontevedra and Vigo reached 28°C, while A Coruña was the coolest of the major cities at 27°C. AEMET, Spain’s national meteorological agency, issues weather warnings for the country and its autonomous communities. Its observation service reports hourly readings and daily extremes from its station network, while meteorologists prepare forecasts by assessing and adapting numerical-model information.
The heat drove thousands to the coast, filling beaches and putting local infrastructure under pressure as residents sought relief. MeteoGalicia forecast a slight drop in temperatures on Monday, although warm conditions were expected to persist. Isolated showers were possible along the coastal strip between Fisterra and A Guarda, while a light northeasterly wind was expected to bring some relief to A Mariña and Costa da Morte.
By Tuesday, a fresh surge of hot air was forecast, with temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C in the Miño area of Ourense and southern Pontevedra. The warm air mass was expected to spread across Galicia, with highs of up to 36°C forecast in the interior of A Coruña, the Rías Baixas and Terra Chá.
Spain has experienced a rise in extreme-weather events in recent years, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. AEMET’s warning system gives local authorities information to manage weather-related risks. Galicia, known for its milder Atlantic climate, has experienced several record-breaking temperature episodes since 2020, drawing attention to climate change’s effects on regional weather patterns and public-health planning.
