Summer 2026 in Spain: Forecast Predicts Above-Average Heat and New Records. The 2026 season in Spain could be one of the hottest in recent years. Forecasts indicate temperatures exceeding the seasonal norm and an increase in the number of days with extreme heat. Authorities are warning about risks to health and water resources.
In 2026, Spain will experience a summer with above-average temperatures, especially noticeable in the central, eastern, and Mediterranean regions of the country. According to seasonal forecasts, the probability of abnormal heat is high across almost the entire territory, including both archipelagos. In some areas of the southwest, temperatures may remain closer to usual levels, but even there a slight exceedance of the norm is expected.
Meteorologists emphasize: this is not about daily extremes, but rather a probabilistic trend—the summer season overall will be warmer than usual. This does not allow for naming in advance the exact number of heatwaves or the days with maximum temperatures, but the overall trend is clear: summers are becoming longer and hotter, and periods of extreme heat more frequent and earlier.
As for precipitation, forecasts do not indicate significant deviations from the norm. For most regions of Spain, this means a continuation of dry summers, especially in the center, south, and along the Mediterranean coast. Even if the amount of rain stays "within normal limits," in a number of cities—such as Seville or Madrid—the figures remain very low: from 0.6 to 19.6 mm of precipitation per month in summer. In northern cities, such as Bilbao, summer rains are more noticeable, but even there dry periods are not uncommon.
The issue of heatwaves remains a key concern for the summer of 2026. In recent years, the number of days with extreme temperatures in Spain has grown significantly: in 2022, there were 41 such days, and the summer of 2025 was the hottest ever recorded. Heatwaves are registered when temperatures stay above a specific threshold for several consecutive days and cover a substantial part of the country. In recent years, such periods have not only become more frequent, but also longer-lasting.
Record high temperatures in Spain have already reached 46.9 ºC in Córdoba, 46.2 ºC in Murcia, 45.4 ºC in Badajoz, and 44 ºC in Bilbao. These figures are not forecasts for 2026, but they demonstrate the country’s potential for extreme heat under certain weather conditions.
Meteorologists pay special attention to nighttime temperatures. In recent years, the number of so-called tropical nights has increased, when the temperature does not drop below 20 ºC, and even nights with minimums above 25 ºC. This adds extra strain on health, especially for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses. In cities, the effect is amplified by dense development and a lack of greenery.
Given the anticipated heat, authorities recommend preparing for summer in advance: adjust your daily routine, avoid being in the sun during peak hours, monitor your hydration, and pay attention to meteorological warnings. In a dry climate and at high temperatures, the risks of dehydration, overheating, and negative impacts on plants and agriculture increase.
To understand the scale: according to the Spanish meteorological service, the country's average temperature has been steadily rising over the past 30 years, and the number of days with extreme heat is increasing. In 2025, Spain has already experienced two major heatwaves—from June 18 to July 4 and from August 3 to 18. Under such conditions, even a 'normal' summer in terms of rainfall can put additional stress on ecosystems and the population.
