Spain is set to face another extreme heatwave next week. Forecasts indicate temperatures could exceed 45°C in some areas. Experts highlight rising risks for vulnerable groups and urge caution.
Spain is preparing for a new surge of extreme heat, with meteorological forecasts indicating that a third heatwave could push temperatures beyond 45°C in parts of the country next week. After only a brief respite following the end of the summer’s second heatwave, atmospheric models now point to the arrival of an exceptionally warm air mass starting Sunday. This development raises concerns about a repeat—or even an escalation—of the record-breaking temperatures seen in early July, when several Spanish towns set new highs.
Meteorologist Luismi Pérez has highlighted that current atmospheric models show a particularly alarming trend for the coming days. If these projections hold, the intensity of the heat could surpass previous episodes, with some regions potentially experiencing maximum temperatures above 45°C. The risk is especially acute for older adults, children, and other vulnerable groups, as prolonged and intense heatwaves increase health hazards.
One of the key indicators used to anticipate such events is the behavior of isoterms—lines on meteorological charts that connect points of equal temperature at specific altitudes. According to Pérez, isoterms at 1,500 meters (850 hPa) are crucial for predicting surface heat, while those at 5,000 meters help gauge the overall strength of a heatwave. Over the past three decades, these isoterms have shifted significantly. Where values of 18–20°C at 1,500 meters once translated to surface highs of 35–37°C, it is now common to see 24–25°C at that altitude, resulting in ground temperatures between 38 and 43°C.
The most worrying scenario involves isoterms approaching 30°C at 1,500 meters—a phenomenon that, until recently, was almost exclusive to the Sahara Desert. Now, these extremely hot air masses are reaching southern Europe more frequently, sometimes even nearing southern France. Meteorological models suggest that such conditions could materialize in Spain next week, potentially making this one of the most intense heat episodes of the summer. This trend is not isolated: as seen during the Tour de France, where organizers and teams have had to adapt to extreme heat with special cooling measures, the impact of rising temperatures is being felt across Europe. For example, cycling teams in France have recently implemented high-tech solutions to protect athletes from dangerous heat levels.
Before the onset of the new heatwave, a temporary drop in temperatures is expected between Friday and Saturday, offering a short-lived break from the recent extreme conditions. However, experts advise the public to closely monitor weather updates and follow health authority recommendations, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, to minimize risks associated with the upcoming heatwave.
Spain’s experience with increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves reflects a broader trend observed across southern Europe. According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the country has seen a marked rise in both the frequency and intensity of heat events over the past decade. This shift is attributed to changes in atmospheric circulation and the growing influence of subtropical air masses. The health sector has responded by updating protocols for heat emergencies, while local authorities have expanded public cooling centers and issued targeted alerts for at-risk populations. As the summer progresses, the ability of residents and institutions to adapt to these extreme conditions will remain a critical concern.
