Orange-level warnings for “extraordinary heat alert” from vice president in these locations

Level orange warnings are going to cross Murcia, the Valencian Community and Malaga on Friday, July 17, from the official Spanish meteorological service, with the temperature rising even more by Sunday, July 19.

The Vice President of the Andalucia region, Antonio Sanz, has called for “responsibility and awareness” from the public ahead of the start this weekend of a 20-day period of “extraordinary heat alert.” “One of the most extensive and intense heatwaves we have experienced in recent years,” he has stated.

Residents in Murcia and the Valencian Region will stay under orange heat alerts from AEMET on Friday, July 17, due to important danger levels to vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and infirm. Malaga also carries an orange warning for maximum temperatures today. Air blowing up from the Sahara Desert will drive even more rises on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, lifting readings across interior Andalucia and parts of eastern Spain. And, if you are in your middle-age and thinking of traversing country hills dressed in lycra on a bike, this weekend is probably not the time to do it.

Friday, July 17: Orange alerts are active in three main areas

Orange warnings apply across Murcia and the Valencian Community. Yellow alerts cover Andalucia, Aragon, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha and Catalonia. Maximum temperatures are going to go over 35ºC across wide areas of the mainland and Balearics, with values above 40ºC possible.

Clear skies are going to dominate most regions except Galicia and the Cantabrian area, where light rain is the only place in Spain still possible. Cloud might develop later in the southeast and Balearics, raising the chance of isolated summer storms. Winds will stay moderate on southern coasts and the Balearics but strengthen across Galicia and the Cantabrian Sea.

Malaga faces an orange alert for maximum temperatures. Clear skies are due to open the day before limited clouds arrive later. Peak heat reaches 38ºC around 1pm, with a minimum of 24ºC and southerly winds throughout. Torremolinos will record between 25ºC and 36ºC under clear skies all day, while Benalmadena will see 24ºC and 36ºC with the same settled conditions.

Saturday, July 18: peak heat in interior Andalusian valleys

Granada is forecast to reach 41ºC, Cordoba 40ºC and Jaen 39ºC. Valleys and river depressions across interior Andalucia are expected to top 40ºC. Overnight readings will stay high in the southeast half of Spain and the Balearic Islands, producing steamy nights. Some Mediterranean coastal locations and Guadalquivir Valley spots may experience torrid nights that keep at 25ºC or more.

Dust haze blowing over from the Sahara will affect the lower south half of the country and the Balearics. Morning fog banks are still possible in Galicia and the Cantabrian area.

🏜 Las altas temperaturas de los próximos días en el este peninsular y Baleares vendrán acompañadas de cálima.

A los efectos del calor sobre la salud habrá que añadir el empeoramiento de la calidad del aire que se produce por la llegada de polvo en suspensión.

1/2 pic.twitter.com/Uw3stFSTJP

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 13, 2026

Sunday, July 19: Highest readings move east

Eastern areas of the Peninsula are going to record the highest temperatures, with limited change elsewhere. Readings near 40ºC are still possible in eastern Castilla-La Mancha and southeastern points and less probable in interior Mallorca. Overnight values continue to restrict relief for many residents in the southeast half of the country and the Balearic Islands.

Precautions for Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July

Anyone outdoors should limit activity during peak afternoon hours, maintain regular fluid intake and check on older relatives or neighbours. Children, pets and people with existing health conditions require extra care. Drivers travelling through southeast Spain or interior Andalucia should prepare for higher temperatures and possible reduced visibility from dust haze.

17/07 08:54 AVISOS HOY Y MAÑANA | España: temperaturas máximas, tormentas y lluvias. Nivel máximo de aviso: naranja.
Actualizaciones en https://t.co/BLdoSsO2Qv pic.twitter.com/RsAacu2pTF

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 17, 2026