Spain is about to experience its first major heatwave of the year, with temperatures expected to climb above 40°C in many regions and potentially reaching 45°C in the hottest areas. The event, driven by a ridge of warm, dry air moving up from Africa, will also affect southern France, where thermometers could hit similar highs.
Heat Builds from the Weekend
The heat will begin to intensify on Saturday, particularly in central and western parts of the continent, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. By Sunday, the official start of summer, Spain will be in the grip of the heatwave. Galicia and the Cantabrian coast could see 38°C, while the Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir river basins may reach 40°C.
Meteorologist José Antonio Maldonado, speaking on COPE's Herrera en COPE, warned that the weekend spike is not the peak. 'We will not have reached the peak yet,' he said, forecasting that temperatures will shoot up in the first half of next week, with some areas potentially reaching 45°C. He described the situation as 'extreme heat' and also cautioned about possible severe storms.
Peak Expected Monday and Tuesday
According to Meteored, Monday and Tuesday will be the toughest days. Nighttime lows will not fall below 25°C across much of the country, and daytime highs could climb even further. In northern Spain, the thermal anomaly — the deviation from what is usual at this time of year — will be around 10°C to 15°C, a figure that underscores how unusual this episode is for that area.
From Tuesday 23 onwards, the heatwave will start to lose strength, although experts warn that the heat will linger for the rest of the week, albeit with less intensity. The prolonged nature of the event raises concerns about health impacts, especially for vulnerable populations. As heatwaves in France cause 5,400 annual deaths and deepen social inequalities, similar risks apply across the border.
Broader European Context
This heatwave is part of a pattern of increasingly frequent and intense extreme weather events across Europe. Earlier this year, Portugal braced for its own heatwave, with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) warning against alarmist online forecasts. The current episode also follows a broader European heatwave that brought tropical nights and hidden health risks to several countries.
France, which shares a long border with Spain, is also in the firing line. The country could see 40°C-45°C in its hottest regions, particularly in the south. The heatwave comes as France continues to grapple with the consequences of rising temperatures, including increased mortality and social disparities.
What to Expect
Residents and visitors in affected areas should take precautions: stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours, and check on elderly or isolated neighbors. The heatwave is expected to ease after Tuesday, but the lingering warmth means that conditions will remain uncomfortable for the rest of the week.
For those traveling to Spain or France in the coming days, it is advisable to monitor local weather alerts and plan accordingly. The situation underscores the need for European countries to adapt to a warming climate, as such events become more common.
