First intense heatwave of Summer 2026: Spain braces for 42ºC in Malaga, Granada and Murcia

Those across southern and eastern Spain face an unrelenting assault of extreme heat from this weekend as the country confronts its first official heatwave of the summer. Forecasters at AEMET, the official Spanish state meteorological department, warn of persistent high temperatures that could break records for the time of year in several provinces, with peaks pushing toward 42ºC in spots and very little overnight relief.

Malaga province set for weekend peak

Malaga province prepares for one of its hottest periods in recent memory. Maximum readings are climbing toward 39ºC for Sunday in some inland sites, while spots in the Axarquia such as La Viñuela are expected to hit 38ºC. Valle del Guadalhorce will see 36ºC on Saturday. Coastal areas including Torremolinos, Malaga city and Rincon de la Victoria are predicted to have to endure tropical nights with lowest temperatures at or above 25ºC. Antequera and Ronda are expected to reach 35ºC earlier in the week. AEMET says this summer is predicted to rank among the hottest in six decades for the province, following last year’s record average.

Granada province gets ready for record highs

Granada province will be among the hardest hit. Loja could reach 42ºC on Sunday, with the capital and surrounding areas also touching that level. Chauchina and Albolote will hit 39ºC. Yellow alerts activate Saturday for the Cuenca del Genil with maxima above 38ºC. Inland spots like Guadix climb to 38ºC and Baza to 37ºC. Coastal Motril is due to see thermometers reach 35ºC on Sunday, while Albuñol faces torrid nights with lowest temperatures near 25ºC. The heat comes from a very warm, dry air mass combined with strong sunshine and looks like it is about to last into early next week, with possible 44ºC readings in Loja by Tuesday.

Murcia region expecting intense days ahead

Murcia region is set to experience a progressive rise in temperatures from Friday. Readings will climb to 35ºC on Friday, 36ºC on Saturday, June 20, and near 38ºC on Sunday in places such as Murcia, Lorca, Caravaca de la Cruz and Yecla. AEMET plans yellow or higher alerts for valley areas including the Vega del Segura and Guadalentín. The real, real peak, though, arrives in the coming week, with 40C or more expected from Monday onward.

Dust in suspension, commonly known in Spain as ‘calima’, will add to discomfort, while coastal spots like Cartagena should stay slightly lower but still face tropical nights.

Alicante province and Valencia Community to get hit by historic heat

Alicante province and the wider Valencia community are about to confront potentially record-breaking conditions. Interior areas such as Xativa, Alcoi and Requena are pushing toward 38ºC from Monday, with Segorbe at 37ºC. Alicante capital readings reach 32 to 33ºC. Minimum temperatures stay stubbornly high, generally 23 to 24ºC along the coast and above 20ºC everywhere. AEMET describes the episode as “historic”, with average temperatures from 22 to the 26 of June possibly the highest since at least 1950. A stable high-pressure system is driving the intensity, with little respite until late next week.

Mallorca and Baleares join nationwide alert

Mallorca and the Balearic Islands also come under the heatwave umbrella. Highs climb well above seasonal norms, with tropical nights widespread and some areas seeing the lowest temperatures near or above 25ºC. The persistent warm air mass affects the islands together with the mainland Mediterranean coast, bringing similar health risks from prolonged exposure.

Health risks rise as heatwave continues

AEMET is suggesting people avoid outdoor activity during the hottest hours and stay hydrated. Go to the supermarket as early as possible or in the last hours of the day is best. The combination of daytime extremes and warm nights increases dangers for vulnerable groups. There are fire risk rises in northern area, and not just the south and east.

Every few Junes, the heatwaves arrive and on occasion have been known to be even hotter than August. Those in Spain should keep an eye on the weather ahead as summer, it seems, is truly here. You can put the duvet away now – official!