Spain's state weather agency activated a special heat warning Friday for very high and persistent temperatures starting this Sunday [1].
The alert is designed to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the risk of wildfires as the country faces its second heat wave of the summer [1, 2].
The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) confirmed the warning covers the period from Sunday, July 5, to at least Tuesday, July 7 [1, 3]. This follows a previous heat event that occurred between June 21 and June 24 [1].
Forecasters expect the most extreme conditions on Monday [2]. Maximum temperatures are predicted to reach up to 42 °C in some areas [2], while other reports indicate general maximums above 34 °C [4]. In the Canary Islands, temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40 °C [5].
“temperaturas muy altas y persistentes a partir del domingo,” an AEMET spokesperson said [6].
The warning is most acute in the southwestern quadrant of Spain, including river valleys, and depressions [1, 4]. Specific alerts have also been issued for Euskadi, Cantabria, and Gipuzkoa [4]. While some reports suggest the alert covers nearly all of Spain, the Canary Islands specifically remain under an orange alert [5].
Authorities are monitoring the duration of the event, with some forecasts suggesting the heat may persist until Wednesday [3]. The agency continues to urge citizens to take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration during the peak hours of the day.
““temperaturas muy altas y persistentes a partir del domingo””
The recurrence of a significant heat wave so early in July suggests a volatile summer pattern for the Iberian Peninsula. By activating a 'special warning,' AEMET is signaling a level of persistence and intensity that exceeds standard seasonal fluctuations, increasing the immediate pressure on public health infrastructure and emergency fire services in the southwestern regions.
