Spain is preparing for a prolonged heatwave expected to grip much of the country through the weekend, with authorities warning that soaring temperatures and dry conditions could drive wildfire risks to extreme levels and pose serious health dangers to vulnerable populations.
Spain’s state meteorological agency, Aemet, issued a fresh warning, saying that the heatwave is expected to begin on Wednesday and continue “at least until Sunday.”
Forecasters cautioned that the combination of intense heat, low humidity and dry vegetation would significantly increase the likelihood of wildfires while making firefighting efforts more difficult. Aemet said in its advisory that the heatwave “will be long,” adding that “the risk of fire will rise to extreme levels, hindering firefighting efforts.”
Meteorologists forecast temperatures approaching or exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several parts of the country, particularly in southern and central Spain, where prolonged periods of intense heat are expected during the day.
The weather agency warned that the extreme temperatures could create “a significant of even extraordinary level of danger” for those involved in outdoor activities and vulnerable groups, including elderly people and people with cardiovascular conditions.
The warning comes as Spain continues to experience another summer marked by above-average temperatures and dry conditions. Large parts of the country have already faced recurring wildfire outbreaks in recent weeks, stretching the resources of emergency services and firefighters.
Fire officials warned that the forecast weather conditions could accelerate the spread of any new fires. Strong sunshine, parched vegetation and occasional gusty winds create an environment in which even small fires can grow rapidly and become difficult to control.
Emergency services have increased preparedness across several regions by deploying additional firefighting personnel, aircraft and equipment to areas considered at high risk. Regional governments are also expected to monitor weather conditions closely and may impose restrictions on activities that could ignite fires, such as agricultural burning or the use of machinery in forests.
According to Aemet, on Wednesday the 29th, there will be significant temperature increases in the eastern third of the country, marking the beginning of the heat wave. The agency expects temperatures to reach 39-41°C in the main river valleys of the southwest quadrant, 37-39°C in parts of the northern plateau and La Mancha, and 40-42°C in the Ebro Valley and depressions in the northeast. In the Canary Islands, the agency said that a significant temperature rise in the mid-altitude areas of La Palma, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria, exceeding 37°C in valleys on the latter island, will be experienced.
On Thursday the 30th, Aemet says temperatures will offer some relief along the Cantabrian coast and in the northern third of the country, while remaining high in the rest of the region. Thus, there will be similar temperatures in the areas under weather warnings, reaching 39-41°C in the main river valleys of the southwest quadrant, the Ebro Valley, and depressions in the northeast. In the Canary Islands, temperatures will rise slightly across all the islands, exceeding 37-38°C in Gran Canaria.
“Friday the 31st will be characterized by a recovery in temperatures in the Cantabrian Mountains, as well as slight to moderate increases across the central and southern Iberian Peninsula. We expect temperatures to reach 40-42°C in the interior of the southern half of the peninsula, and 39-41°C in the Ebro Valley and the northeastern lowlands.
“In the Canary Islands, we will see moderate increases in the eastern islands, potentially reaching 37-38°C in Gran Canaria and some inland areas of Fuerteventura.”
Aemet
Slight Temperature Changes Expected In The Weekend
Moreover, the agency stated that looking ahead to the weekend, slight temperature changes are expected, “with considerable uncertainty, which, however, will not significantly reduce the heat warning.”
It added, thus, throughout the weekend, maximum temperatures will exceed 40-42°C in the interior of the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula, 39-41°C in the Ebro Valley and northeastern depressions, and 37°C in Gran Canaria and inland areas of Fuerteventura.
The latest heatwave warning also follows a series of destructive wildfires across parts of southern Europe, including neighbouring France, where thousands of firefighters have been battling major blazes that forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
Authorities across the region remain on high alert as the combination of heat, drought and strong winds continues to elevate fire danger.
With temperatures forecast to remain near or above 40 degrees Celsius in several regions, emergency officials are urging the public to take the warnings seriously. Authorities say preparedness and caution will be essential in reducing the risks posed by both extreme heat and potential wildfires.
As Spain braces for several days of scorching temperatures, officials continue to monitor conditions closely, emphasising that the coming days will be critical in preventing new wildfire outbreaks and protecting public health.
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