After a brief respite with temperatures typical for the season, the extreme heat is back—and this time, it could be even worse. The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has announced a new spike in temperatures that may escalate into a full-blown heatwave, set to impact various parts of Spain, including the Canary Islands.
Sudden Weather Shift at the End of July
The month closes with a significant and abrupt change in weather patterns. Rubén del Campo, AEMET’s spokesperson, explained that the heat will return starting Sunday, affecting especially the interior and southern parts of the Spanish mainland. After several mild weeks, August is expected to begin with soaring temperatures, potentially reaching dangerous levels.
Expected Temperatures: 35–42ºC and Beyond
Temperatures will climb progressively, with values exceeding 35ºC across large parts of the country. The Guadalquivir and Guadiana valleys in particular may experience temperatures of 42ºC or higher. While the north of Spain—like Castile and León—will still enjoy relatively cool early mornings (around 12–14ºC), regions such as Andalusia and the Mediterranean coast are already experiencing tropical nights, with minimum temperatures above 20ºC.
Storms, Rain, and Temperature Disparities
Atmospheric instability will persist in the Cantabrian region, where rainfall will remain frequent. Elsewhere, particularly in central and southern Spain and in Catalonia, thunderstorms and heavy showers are not ruled out. By Friday, a cold upper trough is forecast to trigger stormy showers in the centre, east, and south, although increased cloud cover may slightly dampen the daytime temperature spikes in some areas.
Meanwhile, parts of the western half of the peninsula will remain relatively clear. Cities such as Ourense, Zamora, and Salamanca are set to reach 35ºC, while others like Córdoba, Seville, and Badajoz will see temperatures between 38–40ºC.
Weekend Escalation and Regional Outlook
As the weekend progresses, heat and storms could continue, especially in the northeast and central regions. Sunday and Monday are forecast to be turning points, marking a significant jump in temperatures, with highs above 35ºC throughout Galicia, the northern plateau, and the Ebro valley.
In the south, the heat will intensify even further, with temperatures around or above 42ºC, particularly in the interior valleys.
According to AEMET, the anticipated heatwave may leave temperatures 5–10ºC above seasonal norms across large parts of western Spain. While it is still pending official classification as a “heatwave” under AEMET’s criteria, all indicators suggest it may extend until mid-next week.
The Canary Islands: Heat Is Also Coming
The Canary Islands are not exempt. A rise in temperatures is expected, especially in the southern mid-altitude areas of Gran Canaria, where temperatures above 35ºC are likely.
Forecasts from eltiempo.es highlight Tuesday, 5 August, as the peak of the episode, with maximums of up to 45ºC in Andalusia and Extremadura, and 40–42ºC in Madrid, Castile-La Mancha, Castile and León, Aragon, Murcia, and the Valencian Community.
By Wednesday, although the heat is expected to continue, localised storms and cloud cover could offer some temporary relief in select regions. Nonetheless, tropical nights (minimums above 20ºC) will be widespread once more. In Andalusia, the Mediterranean, Extremadura, Castile-La Mancha, and Madrid, even equatorial nights (minimums above 25ºC) are possible.
