The Heatwave Predicted by AEMET Has Arrived
This summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has been issuing warnings, indicating that severe heat conditions will likely peak this week, setting new temperature records for 2026.
The Third Heat Wave of Summer
The current week marks the arrival of the third heat wave of the season. According to AEMET spokesperson Rubén del Campo, scorching temperatures will affect the east, center, and southern regions of the Spanish peninsula. Early mornings are expected to be particularly oppressive, with minimum temperatures in central areas, the Balearic Islands, and the Guadalquivir Valley staying between 23-25ºC. In major cities like Barcelona, nights may not cool down below 26 or 27ºC.
Intense Daytime Temperatures
Daytime highs will escalate dramatically, especially in western Andalusia and the northern third of the country. Temperatures are forecasted to exceed 36ºC in the north and 38ºC in the south. In the eastern, central, and southern regions, temperatures could reach 38 to 40ºC, with parts of southeastern Andalusia witnessing even hotter days—occasionally hitting 40 to 42ºC.
What to Expect Starting Thursday
AEMET’s latest predictions suggest continued high temperatures starting Thursday, though some areas may see slight drops. Particularly in the Mediterranean region, temperatures are likely to soar between 42-44ºC. The capital of Murcia could even exceed 45ºC, marking the highest temperature recorded this year so far.
Temperature Outlook for the Weekend
While there might be a slight cooling trend over the weekend, temperatures are expected to climb again next week, maintaining the extreme heat conditions across much of Spain.
Conditions in the Canary Islands
Meanwhile, in the Canary Islands, weather conditions will vary. Expect cloudy intervals in the north and clearer skies in the south, with temperatures potentially exceeding 30-32ºC, particularly in southern Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Extreme Weather Events
Accompanying these high temperatures could be thunderstorms, hail, and widespread haze, negatively impacting air quality across the region. This situation elevates the risk of wildfires, prompting del Campo to urge the public to take extreme precautions.
A Worrying Trend
The year 2025 was recorded as the third warmest to date. The summer months were particularly intense, setting a precedent for the future that AEMET predicts will continue to escalate. This year is likely to fall into an exceptionally warm tertile, indicating persistently high temperatures. The expected readings of 45ºC in Murcia and over 40ºC in other areas are only the start of this mounting heat wave.
For more updates and detailed forecasts, visit AEMET.