The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued an updated special advisory regarding the ongoing heatwave affecting much of mainland Spain. The agency has clarified that, for the moment, the Canary Islands will remain largely unaffected by the extreme temperatures gripping the rest of the country.
Canary Islands: Warmer Days, but No Heatwave Alert
Although the archipelago will experience a rise in temperatures between Monday 4 August and Wednesday 6 August, the values are not expected to reach the thresholds required to declare a heatwave, according to AEMET. Therefore, no weather alert will be activated in the Canary Islands at this stage. Nonetheless, local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly given the forecasted warming trend.
Mainland Spain Braces for Intensifying Heat
In contrast to the Canary Islands, the Spanish mainland is experiencing a significant and widespread heatwave. The phenomenon, which began on Sunday 3 August, is driven by a mass of hot, dry air from North Africa, intensified by prolonged sunshine and stationary high-pressure systems over large parts of the country.
- Monday: Maximum temperatures are expected to surpass 38ºC in southern Galicia and the southwest of the peninsula. The Guadiana, Guadalquivir, and Tajo valleys may reach up to 42ºC.
- Tuesday: A slight drop in temperatures is forecast for the Cantabrian region, but heat will intensify in the southeast.
- Wednesday and Thursday (6–7 August): No significant relief is expected. In fact, temperatures could rise further in the southern and northeastern regions of Spain. The Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys are again likely to exceed 42ºC, with 38–40ºC expected in major inland basins of the northeast.
- Friday 8 August onwards: The forecast becomes more uncertain. A temporary dip in temperatures is possible in the north, but further increases are expected in the west, potentially prolonging the heatwave through the weekend.
Tropical Nights and Health Warnings
In addition to extreme daytime temperatures, the nights will remain uncomfortably warm, especially in the central and southern parts of the peninsula and along the Mediterranean coast.
- Minimum temperatures may remain between 23 and 25ºC, significantly increasing the risk of sleep disturbances and heat-related health issues, particularly among vulnerable groups.
- From Thursday, these so-called “tropical nights” are expected to spread to the southwest and the Ebro valley.
AEMET’s Recommendations
The agency advises the public to:
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the midday and early afternoon hours.
- Stay well hydrated.
- Follow official updates through AEMET’s website and authorised communication channels.
Health professionals reiterate that persistent high temperatures, particularly at night, can have serious consequences for public health, especially for the elderly, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions.
