Spain is bracing for its first heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to hit 38°C in parts of the country this week — a level of heat more typical of July or August than mid-May. The early arrival of such intense warmth underscores the accelerating impact of climate change on Europe's weather patterns.
According to Spain's national meteorological agency, AEMET, the hottest areas will be in western Andalusia, in the country's southwest. Cities such as Córdoba are forecast to reach 34°C, Seville 35°C, and Jerez de la Frontera 32°C. Neighbouring Extremadura will also see high temperatures, with Mérida expected to hit 35°C and Cáceres 32°C. In Castilla-La Mancha, the mercury could rise to 33°C.
The heatwave is being driven by an anticyclonic dorsal, which will bring mostly clear skies and a generalised temperature increase across much of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Rain will be largely confined to the far north of the peninsula.
While southern and inland regions swelter, Spain's northern coast will remain relatively cool, with temperatures closer to seasonal averages. San Sebastián is predicted to reach 21°C on Wednesday, Oviedo 23°C, and A Coruña 20°C, rising slightly by Thursday. The Mediterranean coast will also see less extreme conditions: Valencia is expected to reach 27°C by Wednesday, potentially rising to 30°C by Thursday.
Nighttime temperatures will also be notably higher in parts of the south and along the Mediterranean coast, offering little respite from the heat. AEMET has not ruled out isolated showers and thunderstorms in the northeast of the peninsula over the coming days.
Early Heat, Extreme Contrasts
This heatwave follows one of the rainiest winters Spain has experienced in 50 years, a stark illustration of the weather extremes that scientists link to climate change. The contrast between record rainfall and early-season heat is becoming a recurring theme across Europe, as global emissions continue to rise.
Spain's vulnerability to heatwaves is well documented. The country has seen a steady increase in the frequency and intensity of such events, with deadly consequences. A 2023 study by the World Weather Attribution group found that climate change made the record-breaking April heatwave in Spain and Portugal at least 100 times more likely.
The early heat also poses risks for tourism, a sector that accounts for over 12% of Spain's GDP. While many visitors flock to Spain's beaches and cities in summer, the prospect of extreme heat in May could deter some travellers or shift patterns. Spain recently set a new record for Blue Flag beaches, with 794 awarded in 2025, but the growing intensity of heatwaves may test the resilience of its tourism infrastructure.
For residents, the heatwave is a reminder of the need for adaptation. Many Spanish homes lack air conditioning, and cities like Seville have begun experimenting with heatwave naming and classification systems to improve public awareness and response. The city also launched a pilot project in 2022 to plant more trees and create shaded areas to combat the urban heat island effect.
As the climate continues to warm, such early-season heatwaves are likely to become more common. For now, Spaniards and visitors alike are advised to stay hydrated, avoid the sun during peak hours, and check on vulnerable neighbours. The heat is expected to persist through the week, with a possible slight easing by the weekend.
