Heatwave in Spain peaks this week with 44°C readings – AEMET focuses alerts on interior, South and East coasts

Spain is entering a time to start keeping an eye on the weather and look out for alerts from AEMET, the official Spanish meteorological service, for decisions of outdoor life, travelling, and making plans during potentially dangerous weather events.

Temperature expectations for Sunday to Tuesday

High readings will increase markedly from Sunday, June 21, in numerous zones. Valleys such as the Guadalquivir may see local peaks of 42ºC, with the Ebro Valley and northeast depressions also hitting 40ºC. Even the interior of the Basque Country in the north of Spain faces similar levels, with the country’s first red alerts of 2026 for alarmingly high temperatures. Broader inland districts and the Balearics will generally range between 36ºC and 39ºC during this first day.

AEMET are warning of extreme heat in most of Extremadura in the west, orange alerts in Granada Province and Almeria, and yellow alerts in Sevilla and Cordoba. Southern parts of Mallorca are under similarly dangerous orange alert for temperature extremes.

🟠 Peligro importante este domingo: temperaturas superiores a 39-40 °C en amplias zonas de la Península y Mallorca.

🟠 Tormentas muy fuertes en el este de Galicia y oeste de Asturias.

🔴 Peligro extraordinario en interior de Bizkaia y Gipuzkoa: más de 40 °C también el lunes. pic.twitter.com/8IC6ygCFVd

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) June 21, 2026

Sweltering beginning to the week

Even more rises are due to occur on Monday the 22nd, above all in eastern interior sections and across the Balearics. Many valley and low-lying areas in the east third are going to reach 40ºC to 42ºC, with some spots going well over that figure. The northern plateau in the Leon region is set to go up to 37ºC to 39ºC. Southern plateau zones, southeast interiors and Balearic interiors are expected to sit at around 37ºC to 40ºC.

Tuesday brings the highest values of the whole sultry episode in the western and Cantabric coast. Readings of 40ºC to 42ºC are expected to extend to the interiors of Galicia besides the usual valley hot spots. This might put a pause on anyone’s plans of completing the Camino de Santiago this week. The Guadalquivir Valley from Granada to Sevilla could touch close to 44ºC in parts making sightseeing near impossible.

AEMET warnings target south and east Costas plus Balearics

Meteorologists at AEMET have issued an update to the special heatwave warning covering the Peninsula and Balearics for this episode. They point to an important danger level during the central hours of each day. Outdoor activities carry higher risks at those times, as do conditions for vulnerable people such as the elderly or anyone with cardiovascular illnesses. Particular focus falls on alerts for the south and eastern coastal areas, together with the Balearic Islands.

Those who live there and those on holiday in these locations will do well to limit sun exposure and maintain steady water intake throughout the hotter periods. British expats based in coastal communities along the south and east or in the Balearics will find these targeted alerts particularly useful for organising daily routines around the danger periods.

21/06 11:48 AVISOS HOY Y MAÑANA | España: tormentas, temperaturas máximas y lluvias. Nivel máximo de aviso: rojo.
Actualizaciones en https://t.co/BLdoSsO2Qv pic.twitter.com/y7YVa232Pq

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) June 21, 2026

Overnight conditions and danger of wildfires

Minimum values will stay high at night across many areas, staying above 20ºC except in high mountain areas. Tropical nights will no doubt result in many places, while certain depressions of the south and east Peninsula, the north coast and southeast coastlines may exceed a steamy 23ºC to 25ºC. These overnight figures are going to reduce comfort levels and affect sleep for people without adequate cooling systems. At the same time, the danger of wildfires grows with the heat and dryness. Any dry storms with limited rain will only add to the possibility of sparking blazes. Caution applies in rural and wooded spots popular for travel or residence.

Broader national picture for those planning on travel

People moving around other parts of Spain will find hot weather almost everywhere in Spain. Some northern interior locations will see serious climbs, especially along the north coast, where increases can prove extraordinary locally. Galician interiors also join the hotter zones. Preparation is still useful everywhere, with options for indoor, air-conditioned visits or early starts proving helpful.

Most areas will begin to see some easing from Wednesday, June 24, it is hoped, although north coast temperatures will continue climbing for a while yet.