According to the latest data from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), after a brief cool-down, Spain is set for a significant temperature increase this weekend, with a more severe heat challenge expected next week.
Temperatures Rise Across the Board This Weekend, with a Notable Increase in the North
As the influence of the previous low-pressure system wanes, temperatures will continue to rise across Spain this weekend, prompting yellow or orange heat warnings in several regions.
This warming trend is particularly pronounced in northern Spain, including areas like Burgos, La Rioja, Álava, and Navarra, where maximum temperatures could rise by 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. In most inland areas, daytime highs will generally exceed 35°C. In the valleys of the Guadiana, Tagus, Guadalquivir, and Ebro rivers, temperatures are expected to climb to between 39 and 41 degrees Celsius.
‘Heat Dome’ Effect Could Trigger an Intense Heatwave Next Week
Meteored meteorologist Samuel Biener analyzes that this weekend’s temperature rise does not yet constitute an official heatwave but should be seen as a return to normal temperatures. However, the situation is set to become more severe starting this Sunday.
The latest weather models predict that a ‘heat dome’ (Domo de calor) phenomenon may gradually form over the Iberian Peninsula. This will act like a lid, trapping hot air and leading to a more intense and prolonged period of high temperatures next week. According to current forecasts, from the beginning to the middle of next week, maximum temperatures in several locations in the eastern interior, central regions, the Guadalquivir Valley, and Andalusia could reach or even exceed 40°C. However, experts also note that whether it officially qualifies as a ‘heatwave’ will depend on its duration, intensity, and geographical extent.
Coastal ‘Tropical Nights’ and Unusually High Sea Temperatures
In addition to the daytime heat, high nighttime temperatures are also a cause for concern. In Mediterranean coastal cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Palma, overnight lows may consistently remain above 25 degrees Celsius, creating ‘tropical nights’ (noches tropicales) that can severely disrupt sleep.
A major factor exacerbating the nighttime stuffiness is the unusually high Mediterranean sea temperature this year. Previously, the Sa Dragonera buoy off Mallorca even recorded a sea surface temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, a record for Spain. The abnormally warm water not only makes coastal nights more unbearable but could also provide more energy for thunderstorms in the coming days.
Other Weather Phenomena Accompanying the Heat
This heat event is also expected to bring other weather phenomena. Forecasters predict that a new wave of Saharan dust may enter Spain with the hot air mass. Additionally, in some mountainous areas, the high temperatures could trigger localized thunderstorms, potentially accompanied by severe convective weather such as hail or strong downdrafts.
