Spain Faces Its Second Heatwave of Summer 2025 with Record Temperatures
Spain is set to experience its second heatwave of summer 2025, with temperatures exceeding 40 ºC in many areas.
Key Points
- • The second heatwave is anticipated to begin this weekend, with temperatures surpassing 40 ºC in key regions.
- • Sevilla and Badajoz are expected to be the hottest, with critical temperatures expected on Sunday.
- • AEMET has officially classified this weather pattern as a heatwave due to sustained high temperatures.
- • Tropical nights and urban heat concerns are prevalent, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.
Spain is bracing for its second major heatwave of the summer, which is expected to bring scorching temperatures exceeding 40 ºC across large parts of the country starting this weekend. The heatwave's most critical day is forecasted for Sunday, particularly in regions like Sevilla and Badajoz, where the mercury is predicted to soar beyond 40 ºC. The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has classified this event as an official heatwave, as it meets the criteria of sustained high temperatures over several consecutive days affecting broad geographical areas.
Weather forecasts indicate that interior regions of the peninsula will experience temperatures well above seasonal averages. For instance, areas such as Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Andalucía are expected to approach 40 ºC, while northern territories including Castilla y León and the Ebro valley could see temperatures ranging from 34 ºC to 36 ºC. Even typically cooler areas like Galicia and Catalunya will not be spared, with predicted highs in their interiors surpassing 32 ºC.
The AEMET also warned of tropical nights, with nighttime temperatures remaining uncomfortably high—many regions expected to stay above 23 ºC, exacerbating the heat stress on vulnerable populations. The Canary Islands, which are poised for a gradual increase in temperatures, may also see some areas reaching around 35 ºC by Sunday.
Experts attribute the heatwave primarily to warm air flowing in from Africa, which enhances atmospheric stability and hinders the cooling effect usually experienced at night. These high temperatures pose significant risks, particularly in urban settings where buildings trap heat, leading to heightened health concerns for those most at risk, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
As the situation unfolds, AEMET has issued multiple warnings for various regions, especially focusing on areas where extreme temperatures are anticipated, particularly the valleys of the Guadalquivir and Guadiana. The heatwave is expected to last at least until Thursday, leading to an extreme thermal episode that could continue to set new records in the days following its onset.