Spain's southeast is bracing for a dramatic end to the current heatwave. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) warns maximum temperatures could reach 44°C in Murcia. The same forecast covers Valencia and Alicante. Red alerts are in effect across these areas as the risk of severe storms intensifies, bringing hail and damaging wind gusts. Aemet's Meteoalerta system issues territory-specific warnings for adverse weather up to 72 hours ahead, updating them as conditions develop. Its warning structure covers heat and storms, including hail and strong winds. The Mediterranean arc and the Ebro valley are expected to see the sharpest temperature spikes. Andalucía will also see highs around 40°C, with similar temperatures forecast in the northeast and southern Castilla-La Mancha.
Aemet forecasts clear skies or high clouds across most of the country. Exceptions include northern Galicia and the western Cantabrian coast, where low clouds and morning mist are likely. Dust haze (calima) will persist in the east and south of the peninsula, as well as in the Balearic Islands, reducing air quality and visibility. Afternoon cloud build-up is expected to trigger intense showers and thunderstorms in Almería. The same threat applies in Murcia and Alicante, with a high probability of hail and very strong wind gusts. These storm systems could also reach Ibiza and Formentera later in the day.
Nighttime relief will be limited. Minimum temperatures are expected to stay above 20°C across the southern half and eastern peninsula. The Balearic Islands are also likely to remain above that mark, while temperatures may not fall below 25°C along the Mediterranean coast and Guadalquivir valley. Winds will generally be light, with coastal breezes dominating, but storm-driven gusts could be severe in affected areas. In the Canary Islands, intervals of low cloud are forecast on the northern slopes, while skies remain clear in the south. Calima will be more pronounced in the eastern islands, and temperatures will rise slightly. Winds will be moderate to strong, with very strong gusts possible in exposed locations.
Regional forecasts point to varied conditions across Spain. Galicia and Asturias will see intervals of cloud and local fog, with isolated thunderstorms possible in mountainous areas. The Basque Country and Navarra can expect mostly clear skies. La Rioja will also see mainly clear conditions, while temperatures in some areas could climb to 38°C in Navarra's Ribera. Aragón and Catalonia will contend with suspended dust and rising temperatures, especially in the Ebro valley and western depression, where 42°C is possible. Castilla y León and Extremadura will have mostly stable weather, as will Madrid, where highs could reach 38°C outside the mountains. Castilla-La Mancha faces a risk of storms in the southeast, with red alert thresholds nearly reached in Albacete.
In the Valencian Community, attention is focused on the interior and pre-coastal areas of Valencia and Alicante, where 43°C is forecast. Afternoon storms could bring hail and violent winds. Murcia faces similar threats, with impressive temperature increases inland and a risk of severe convective storms. Andalucía will see contrasting conditions: the Atlantic side will cool slightly while the Mediterranean side heats up, particularly in the northeast, where storms may develop. The Balearic Islands will have another tropical night, with strong gusts possible in Ibiza and Formentera. In the Canary Islands, temperatures will exceed 34°C in southern and western Gran Canaria. They will also top that mark in the southeast of the eastern islands, where strong winds are possible in exposed areas.
These extreme conditions follow a pattern of increasingly frequent and intense heatwaves in Spain, often accompanied by Saharan dust and sudden storms. A recent report on the impact of Saharan dust and muddy rains across the country noted that high temperatures combined with calima can disrupt daily life and affect health, while also raising the risk of wildfires. Authorities continue to urge residents, especially in regions under red alert, to take precautions and follow updates as weather conditions change rapidly.
Aemet's observation network publishes hourly readings and daily extremes. It also reports accumulated values, allowing forecasts to be distinguished from temperatures recorded at individual stations. The records are location-specific: the Alicante station is listed as Alacant/Alicante, while Valencia's station data include Valencia Airport in Manises. Spain's vulnerability to extreme weather events has grown in recent years, with heatwaves now lasting longer and affecting wider areas. Residents in affected regions are advised to limit outdoor activities during peak heat and stay hydrated. They should also monitor official updates. The conditions highlight the need to prepare as weather hazards evolve across the Iberian Peninsula.
