Spain expects the third heatwave of the summer starting Tuesday

Madrid – 18 July 2026: Spain is preparing for a new period of extreme heat. The national weather service AEMET has announced the start of the third heatwave of this summer for Tuesday, 21 July. The event will affect large parts of the country and, according to the current forecast, last at least until Thursday, 23 July. The south, east and interior, as well as the Balearic Islands, are expected to be particularly affected.

According to the latest forecasts, temperatures of more than 40 degrees are expected in numerous regions. In the Guadalquivir Valley, southern Andalusia and parts of the Murcia region, values above 45 degrees may even be reached locally. Exceptionally high maximum temperatures are also forecast in the Ebro Valley, inland areas of the Mediterranean coast and Mallorca. The precise geographical distribution may still change.

The temperature rise will begin as early as Sunday, 19 July, in parts of the north and east of the Iberian Peninsula. On Monday, 20 July, the heat is expected to spread further. From Tuesday, a very warm and dry air mass will shape weather conditions. Strong solar radiation and generally weak winds may further increase the strain and limit cooling during the nighttime hours.

AEMET classifies the upcoming event as the third heatwave of the meteorological summer of 2026. According to the weather service, the first period was recorded between 21 and 24 June, and the second between 5 and 9 July. The new episode therefore follows several weeks of repeatedly very high temperatures in Spain, including values above 40 degrees in various parts of the country.

Particular attention is being paid to vulnerable people, including older people, young children, people with chronic illnesses and those who work outdoors. Authorities recommend moving physically demanding activities to the cooler morning hours, drinking enough fluids and keeping indoor spaces as cool as possible. Vehicles should not be used as places to stay, especially not for children or animals.

The weather service continuously publishes regional warnings for affected provinces. These warnings vary according to the expected temperature, duration and probability of the event. Municipalities and emergency services can adapt their measures accordingly. Travelers should check weather forecasts at their destination before departure and during their stay, as the strain can vary greatly by region.

For the period after 23 July, no certain relief could yet be forecast on Saturday. AEMET will continue to assess the development of air masses and nighttime temperatures. Whether cooler air from the west or north can displace the hot air mass will be decisive for the actual duration of the heatwave. Until then, the risk of significant heat stress remains in large parts of Spain.