Madrid is enduring another day of intense heat, with the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issuing an orange alert for much of the region as forecast highs reach 40°C in some southern and central districts. The warning covers the metropolitan area, Henares, the south, Vegas and the west, while the Sierra remains under a yellow alert for lower but still impressive temperatures. AEMET issues warnings by forecast zone rather than treating the entire Community of Madrid as meteorologically uniform; alert levels apply for specific periods and can change as conditions evolve.
AEMET forecasts the highest temperatures in Aranjuez, where the maximum could reach 40°C. Central and southern zones are forecast to reach 38°C to 39°C, while the lower areas of the Sierra could record 36°C to 37°C. Only a slight temperature drop is expected in the Sierra Norte. Minimums across the region are forecast to remain elevated, ranging from 21°C to 24°C, with the capital experiencing the warmest nights. These are forecast figures, not station observations: AEMET’s observation service publishes hourly readings and daily extremes, distinguishing predicted temperatures from those actually measured.
Friday will bring mostly clear skies, though cloud cover is expected to increase during the central hours of the day, with intervals of high and developing clouds. Isolated showers, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms, cannot be ruled out in the Sierra, especially later in the day. Winds will be light and variable, shifting to a southerly component around midday and then to a light easterly direction in the afternoon. Occasional moderate gusts are expected, with the possibility of stronger bursts in the southeast.
Temperatures are forecast to drop noticeably over the weekend, with maximums falling to around 33°C. On Saturday, the Sierra is forecast to be under a yellow alert for rain and storms, while minimums could dip to 16°C by Sunday, offering some respite after the prolonged heat. AEMET reports conditions separately at stations including Madrid-Retiro and Puerto de Navacerrada, allowing urban and mountain readings to be compared without treating them as interchangeable measures of regional heat. Such abrupt weather changes are not unique to Madrid: earlier this year, southern Valencia experienced severe storms and record winds, as detailed in a recent report on extreme weather events in Alcoi and Villena.
Heatwaves have become increasingly common in Spain over the past decade, often leading to health advisories and disruptions to daily life. The orange alert system warns residents of potentially dangerous conditions, prompting local authorities to recommend limiting outdoor activities during peak hours and staying hydrated. High temperatures combined with possible storms in the Sierra reflect the varied summer conditions across basic Spain. For many residents, the expected cooldown this weekend will bring much-needed relief after a week of relentless heat.
