Spain is set for a sharp rise in temperatures this Saturday, with several regions expected to see highs above 40°C before a major heatwave takes hold. Information from Efe, the Tajo and Guadiana valleys will face the most intense heat, as will the Guadalquivir valley. Much of the centre and southwest, along with the Ebro valley, could see highs near 39°C. The spike comes ahead of a heatwave forecast to last until Wednesday, raising concerns for residents and local authorities. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) publishes forecasts from national down to municipal level, including expected highs and lows, as well as current adverse-weather warnings.
Despite clear skies and high pressure across most of the country, conditions will be unsettled in places. Thunderstorms are likely in central and northern Spain, with the north of Castilla y León at particular risk of severe storms and large hail. Some northern coastal areas, along with Ceuta and Melilla, will start the day under low clouds. Those clouds are expected to clear as the day progresses. AEMET’s national forecast uses maps and text, and includes a table of warnings in force for hazards such as storms and hail, as well as strong winds.
Nighttime conditions will also be challenging. So-called “tropical nights,” when minimum temperatures stay at or above 20°C, are forecast across many parts of the centre-south and southwest, as well as the Ebro valley, the Balearic Islands and Mediterranean coastal areas. This could affect sleep quality and raise health risks, especially for vulnerable groups. Overnight minimums appear in AEMET’s municipal forecasts, while station records provide a separate measure of temperatures actually observed.
Regional forecasts point to sharp local differences. Galicia will see low clouds along the northern coast in the morning and evening, fog in higher inland areas, and a marked rise in temperatures, especially in the Rías. Asturias and Cantabria are expected to see similar patterns, with afternoon storms and possible hail. Strong wind gusts are also possible, particularly inland. The Basque Country will see a slight drop in maximum temperatures in some interior areas, but storms and strong winds are expected later in the day.
In Castilla y León, scattered showers and storms, some potentially severe, are likely. Navarra and La Rioja could see strong gusts and hail during afternoon and evening storms. Aragón and Catalonia will face suspended dust, with storms possible especially in mountainous areas. The Ebro valley and Lleida region are forecast to reach particularly high temperatures. AEMET’s station-observation service records hourly readings for the previous 24 hours, daily extremes and totals accumulated from midnight. These records distinguish forecast highs from measurements at individual stations.
Extremadura, Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha will remain mostly clear, though isolated storms are possible, especially in the afternoon and evening. Madrid could see highs of 37°C in low-lying areas, while Toledo and Ciudad Real may experience locally intense storms with hail. The Valencian Community and Murcia will see rising temperatures and some dust in the air, with moderate winds along the coast.
Andalusia is forecast to see a general rise in minimum and maximum temperatures, with storms possible in the mountains and suspended dust. The Balearic Islands will have clear skies and rising temperatures, with strong easterly gusts in the Tramuntana mountains. In the Canary Islands, cloud cover will vary in the north of the larger islands, with a slight rise in temperatures and moderate northeast winds.
Winds across the country will generally be light, with coastal breezes prevailing. The southeast and the Strait will see moderate winds, while the Balearic Islands and eastern regions will have light to moderate easterlies. In central Spain, winds will be variable but mostly light and southerly.
Spain has seen more frequent and intense heatwaves in recent years. Both 2022 and 2023 recorded record-breaking summer temperatures. AEMET issues forecasts and adverse-weather warnings, and its station network provides location-specific observations and daily extremes. The agency recommends taking precautions: stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak heat and check on vulnerable people. The coming days are expected to test infrastructure and public health systems, especially in regions unaccustomed to prolonged extreme heat.
