Spain expects its third heatwave of the summer to begin on Tuesday

Madrid – July 18, 2026: Spain is preparing for a new spell of extreme heat. The national meteorological agency AEMET announced that the third heatwave of the summer will begin on Tuesday, July 21. The weather event is expected to affect most of the country and last at least until Thursday, July 23. The south, east, inland areas and the Balearic Islands may be particularly severely affected.

According to the latest forecast, temperatures will exceed 40 degrees Celsius in several regions. In the Guadalquivir Valley in southern Andalusia and parts of the Murcia region, local temperatures could even exceed 45 degrees Celsius. The Ebro Valley, inland areas along the Mediterranean coast and Mallorca are also expected to experience exceptionally high maximum temperatures. The exact affected area may still change.

The rise in temperatures will first occur on Sunday, July 19, in parts of northern and eastern mainland Spain. By Monday, July 20, the heat may spread further. From Tuesday onward, a very warm and dry air mass will dominate the weather situation. Intense sunshine and generally weak winds may further worsen the heat burden and limit nighttime cooling.

AEMET classifies the upcoming weather event as the third heatwave of the meteorological summer of 2026. According to the agency, the first heatwave occurred from June 21 to 24, and the second from July 5 to 9. This spell of heat therefore follows several weeks of recurring very high temperatures in Spain, during which temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of the country.

Particular attention is being paid to vulnerable groups such as elderly people, young children, people with chronic illnesses and outdoor workers. Authorities recommend scheduling strenuous physical activity during the cooler morning hours, drinking sufficient fluids and keeping indoor spaces cool whenever possible. Vehicles should not be used as places to stay, especially not for children or animals.

The meteorological agency continues to issue regional hazard warnings for affected provinces. These warnings vary according to expected temperatures, duration and the likelihood of the weather event occurring. Municipal authorities and emergency services can adjust their response measures accordingly. Travelers should check forecasts for their destination before departure and during their stay, as the heat burden may vary significantly between regions.

As of Saturday, it is not yet possible to predict whether cooling can be expected after July 23. AEMET will continue to assess the development of the air mass and nighttime temperatures. The key factor determining the actual duration of the heatwave will be whether cooler air from the west or north can displace the hot air mass. Until then, most of Spain remains at risk of a significant heat burden.