Spain faces its hottest day of the summer as AEMET issues a red alert for Murcia and Comunidad Valenciana. Temperatures are set to soar, with storms and calima adding to the risk. Relief is expected by the weekend.
Spain is bracing for the most intense day of its third summer heatwave, with the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) activating a red alert for Thursday in Murcia and Comunidad Valenciana. This highest-level warning comes as temperatures are forecast to surge, particularly in the Mediterranean regions, marking a critical point in the ongoing heat episode.
On Wednesday, twelve autonomous communities, along with Ceuta and Melilla, remain under weather alerts, though none have reached the red level yet. The most severe warnings—orange for significant risk—cover Andalucía, Aragón, Baleares, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, and Madrid. Meanwhile, yellow alerts, indicating a lower level of risk, are in place for Castilla y León, Extremadura, Murcia, Navarra, La Rioja, Comunidad Valenciana, Ceuta, and Melilla.
According to AEMET spokesperson Rubén del Campo, temperatures are expected to climb sharply across most of the country, with the exception of some Mediterranean coastal areas where a slight drop is anticipated. In the east, center, and south of the peninsula, as well as in the Balearic Islands, thermometers are likely to exceed 39°C to 42°C. The north, particularly the Cantabrian region, will experience milder conditions, but the overall environment remains uncomfortably warm.
As the heat intensifies, the risk of wildfires is now classified as very high or extreme in large parts of Spain. The combination of soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds increases the danger, prompting authorities to urge caution and preparedness.
In addition to the heat, the afternoon hours are expected to bring the development of storm clouds, especially in Cataluña, Comunidad Valenciana, eastern Castilla-La Mancha, and Murcia. These storms, often dry with little or no rainfall, may produce frequent lightning, hail, and sudden gusts of wind. Yellow alerts for thunderstorms have been issued in Andalucía, Aragón, Castilla-La Mancha, Cataluña, Murcia, and Comunidad Valenciana. The presence of suspended dust will also lead to calima, creating hazy skies and amplifying the sensation of heat.
Relief is on the horizon, with a marked drop in temperatures forecast for Friday and especially Saturday. Meteorologists anticipate a return to more typical, even cooler-than-average, conditions for June. However, this respite may be short-lived, as models suggest another surge in temperatures could arrive as early as Sunday, potentially bringing another period of intense heat next week.
This pattern of extreme weather is not isolated. Earlier this summer, Spain experienced similar conditions, with Saharan dust and storms disrupting daily life in the Mediterranean and southern regions. For more on how these weather phenomena have impacted the country, see the report on Saharan dust and muddy rains sweeping across Spain.
Spain's heatwaves have become more frequent and severe in recent years, a trend linked by experts to broader climate shifts affecting southern Europe. The AEMET's alert system, which uses yellow, orange, and red levels, is designed to inform the public and authorities of escalating risks. Residents in affected areas are advised to follow official guidance, stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat, and remain alert for updates as conditions evolve. The coming days will test the resilience of communities and emergency services as the country navigates another challenging summer episode.
