Galicia faces its first major heatwave of the summer, with temperatures nearing 40°C. More than half the region’s municipalities remain under weather alerts. Authorities warn the extreme heat could persist until midweek.
Galicia is experiencing an early and intense heatwave, with temperatures climbing to 40°C in several inland areas. Weather alerts have been issued for over half of the region’s municipalities, as the first major heat event of the summer coincides with the official start of the season on June 21. According to MeteoGalicia, the warnings will remain in place at least through Wednesday, affecting 171 out of 313 municipalities.
The most severe conditions are expected in the Miño valley in Ourense, Valdeorras, and southern Lugo, where thermometers are forecast to approach 40°C—an unusual figure for June. Meteorologist María Souto notes that this month has already broken temperature records, and with several days remaining, further extremes are possible. Souto also points out that while a brief Atlantic air mass brought some relief on Friday, many locations still exceeded 30°C, and coastal areas, moderated by fog, hovered around 25°C.
Forecasts indicate that Saturday will bring slightly milder conditions, but by Sunday, the arrival of a warm air mass from the south will drive temperatures higher across much of Galicia. MeteoGalicia’s alert map shows widespread yellow warnings, with expected highs of 34–36°C in many areas and up to 39°C in the Miño region of Ourense. The heatwave is projected to persist until at least Wednesday, with both daytime and nighttime temperatures remaining elevated.
The current weather pattern is driven by southerly winds, which may also carry Saharan dust into the region, potentially impacting air quality. The combination of intense heat and atmospheric instability is likely to trigger isolated thunderstorms, particularly in mountainous areas of Lugo and Ourense, mainly during the afternoons as temperatures peak. These storms are considered typical when hot surface air leads to the development of convective clouds.
Looking ahead, MeteoGalicia expects that by Friday, the arrival of Atlantic low-pressure systems could displace the hot air mass, signaling a probable shift in weather conditions. Souto highlights that recent summers in Galicia have been marked by increasingly high temperatures, reinforcing the trend toward warmer and more extreme summer weather. This pattern, she notes, is consistent with broader climate change, with higher average and maximum temperatures now common in the region’s summer months.
For context, Spain has seen a notable rise in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves over the past decade, with 2022 and 2023 both recording some of the hottest summers on record. Galicia, traditionally known for its milder climate, has not been immune to these changes. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has repeatedly warned that early and prolonged heatwaves are becoming more common, increasing risks for vulnerable populations and placing additional strain on health and emergency services. These developments underscore the growing importance of heat adaptation measures across the country.
