Spain braces for scorching heat: Temperatures set to soar back to 40°C

Just as Spaniards were getting used to a welcome drop in temperatures, with storms and showers refreshing much of the country, the heat is about to make a dramatic comeback. After a few milder days that brought much-needed relief to regions baking under early summer sun, Spain’s national weather agency, Aemet, has sounded the alarm: the mercury is set to rocket once more, with 40-degree highs returning to several parts of the country as early as Thursday, June 5.

This latest forecast brings a clear message for anyone planning to venture outdoors : don’t pack away the sun cream just yet.

Short-lived cool weather before Spain’s next heatwave

This week started with a welcome cool snap and even a bit of rain, something many areas hadn’t seen in a while. Wednesday was the coolest day of the week, with a passing trough of cooler air bringing showers, thunderstorms, and a noticeable dip in the thermometer, especially across the northeast and the Balearic Islands. In the north and central regions, daytime highs even dipped to a pleasant 20–27°C, while southern Spain experienced more seasonable temperatures hovering just under 30°C.

Overnight, many Spaniards still faced those notorious ‘tropical nights’—when the temperature barely drops below 20°C, making sleep a little sticky in homes without air conditioning.

Extreme heat set to return : Andalusia, Madrid and more in the firing line

If you were hoping for more of the same, don’t get too comfortable. Aemet warns that the mild weather will be short-lived. By Thursday, the weather pattern will shift yet again, with a high-pressure ridge sweeping across the country. That means rain will disappear and, just in time for the weekend, the heat will surge.

Temperatures are expected to rise sharply, especially across Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, Catalonia, Murcia and, of course, the sun-baked south of Andalusia. The notorious Guadalquivir Valley could see the first 40°C readings of the season as the weekend arrives.

Sunshine will dominate, with hardly a cloud in sight, and by Friday and Saturday, highs above 35°C will become the norm in many inland provinces. The heat will even linger into the evenings, with nighttime minimums in places like Valencia, Murcia and southern Andalusia remaining well above 20°C. If you’re planning an evening stroll or an outdoor dinner, prepare for another round of sticky, sultry nights.

How to stay safe during Spain’s summer heatwave

With the return of extreme heat, Aemet is urging everyone to take precautions, especially the elderly, children, and those with health conditions. It’s vital to stay hydrated, seek shade during the hottest hours, and look out for friends and neighbours.

And don’t forget, this early spike in temperatures might be a preview of the summer ahead. For now, get ready to crank up the fans and enjoy those milder evenings while they last, because Spain’s famous summer scorchers are coming back in full force.

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