Spain's third heatwave of the summer brings temperatures up to 44°C, orange alerts in south and east

Heatwave arrives

Spain's third heatwave of the summer began on Tuesday, 21 July, with temperatures climbing sharply across much of the country. The state meteorological agency Aemet has issued orange alerts for several areas in the east and south of the peninsula, as well as the Balearic Islands, where maximums are expected to range between 37°C and 41°C. In some inland parts of Valencia and Murcia, thermometers could hit 44°C. Aemet spokesperson Rubén del Campo described the episode as intense but short-lived, lasting around three days, the minimum for an event to be classified as a heatwave.

The east and south of the Peninsula will be the worst hit, where temperatures could reach or even exceed 44°C.

What's driving the heat

The heatwave is caused by a mass of very warm, dry air from North Africa, accompanied by suspended dust, which initially affected the southeastern peninsula and the Balearics and is now spreading. A blocking pattern, with a stationary DANA northwest of the Iberian Peninsula and an anticyclone over North Africa, is preventing air renewal. This setup, combined with strong summer sunshine, is pushing temperatures well above normal, especially in the southeastern third, the Guadalquivir and Ebro valleys, northeastern depressions, Pyrenean valleys, and inland Mallorca. The national heat record stands at 47.6°C, well above the current forecast.

Day-by-day forecast

Tuesday saw maximums above 35°C across much of the interior and the Balearics, with 40°C reached in inland Andalusia, Murcia, and southern Castilla-La Mancha. Wednesday will be the day when the heat spreads most widely, with temperatures rising further in the Atlantic slope, the north, and the Ebro valley. The Guadalquivir valley could see 42°C, while the Ebro valley and northeastern depressions will hover around 39-40°C. Pyrenean valleys are forecast to reach between 36°C and 38°C. Thursday is expected to be the most critical day for the Mediterranean coast, as a shift in wind direction pushes temperatures even higher in the southeast. Inland areas of Almería, Murcia, Granada, and Málaga could reach 44°C.

Warnings and fire risk

Aemet has warned that fire danger will be very high or extreme across most of the country for much of the week. Rainfall will be largely absent, except for possible storms in eastern mountain areas, many of which will be dry and accompanied by lightning, hail, and strong wind gusts. Authorities are advising people to avoid sun exposure during the central hours of the day, stay hydrated, and take extra care with vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. Nighttime temperatures will also remain high, particularly in the east, with Valencia experiencing little relief after sunset.

The fire danger will be very high or extreme across most of the territory for most of the week.

Relief in sight

Temperatures are expected to drop on Friday and Saturday, bringing more bearable conditions. However, Aemet's spokesperson cautioned that a new rise in temperatures is likely next week. Meteorologist Roberto Brasero noted that while the north will see some increase, it will not be as extreme as in previous episodes. "Celebration is for a while, and heat, I'm afraid, also," he said.

Celebration is for a while, and heat, I'm afraid, also.