Spain's heatwave to break as Atlantic air brings 10°C drop by Thursday

Record-breaking temperatures

Spain's first summer heatwave, which began on Sunday 21 June, has pushed thermometers to historic highs. On Monday, Andújar in Jaén reached 45°C, and more than 100 of AEMET's 828 weather stations recorded 40°C or above. Tuesday saw Cantabria set an all-time temperature record of 43.7°C in Tama, while Zamora registered a record-high minimum of 24.1°C. Overnight, thirty stations never dropped below 25°C, and AEMET noted that minimums of 30°C or more had never before been measured in June.

Warnings still in force

On Wednesday, 14 of Spain's 17 autonomous communities remain under heat warnings. The Basque Country and Cantabria are at red level, the highest, with temperatures expected to hit 42°C in Bilbao and 40°C in inland areas. Orange warnings cover much of the interior, including the Ebro, Tajo, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys, where highs of 39–41°C are forecast. The heat is also affecting the centre: Madrid is set to reach 41°C in some suburbs.

“It is likely that 34–36°C will be exceeded in the northern plateau and the Balearics, 38–40°C in large areas of the interior, and 39–41°C in inland Basque Country, the northeast and the Ebro, Tajo, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys.”

Cooler air on the way

A colder Atlantic air mass is entering from the west on Wednesday, beginning the end of the heatwave. Maximum temperatures will drop slightly in the eastern third and western half, with more noticeable falls in Galicia. The real relief comes on Thursday, when the cold air spreads across the country. In Andalusia, towns that endured 44–45°C will see highs plunge by 8–10°C: Andújar is forecast to drop to 34–35°C, Montoro to 32–34°C, and Seville to just 29°C. Madrid will also fall to around 29°C, a 10-degree drop from Wednesday's peak.

Andújar35

Montoro33

Seville29

Madrid29

Andújar

35 °C

Montoro

33 °C

Seville

29 °C

Madrid

29 °C

Data from the article text

“A change is expected with the entry of a colder Atlantic air mass from the west that will begin the end of the heatwave.”

Health risks remain

The persistent heat has put 549 municipalities in high-risk zones for health, according to El País. Authorities urge hydration, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and staying in cool spaces, especially for children, the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Tropical nights, with minimums above 20°C and even 25°C in the centre-south, Ebro valley and Mediterranean coast, will continue through Wednesday night before easing.

Weekend outlook

After Thursday's sharp drop, temperatures will begin to climb again on Friday, but they are not expected to return to the extreme levels of recent days. In Madrid, highs will reach around 32°C by the weekend, while Andalusia will see a gradual recovery, though still well below the 45°C peaks.