Spain set for sticky calima dust clouds end to July and rising heat as brief cooler spell ends

For those on the costas in Spain this week, the end of July should expect a mix of hot sea breezes giving way to dust-laden skies and climbing temperatures across much of the country. After a short breather from the extreme heatwave, conditions will change quickly with haze arriving in southern regions and hotter weather building by midweek. Malaga province will feel the change first, with locals in Malaga waking up to 27ºC at 7 a.m. on Monday, with clear skies and moderate terral winds blowing hot air from inland.

Sea temperatures behind cooling effect

Sea temperatures have dropped to 19°C, bringing welcome cooler nights for a few days. Yesterday saw peaks of 38ºC in Velez-Malaga, while Estepona and Rincon de la Victoria also hit 38ºC. From late Tuesday, Calima dust will return to south coast air and parts of inland Andalucia, bringing a muggy feel and that familiar sticky feeling many dread.

Good news comes in the form of no expected terral episodes for the rest of this week and early August. Strong levante winds from the south with gusts will dominate the Strait of Gibraltar and Cadiz coast from Monday. Sunday offered some relief across Andalucia as temperatures began to ease on Sunday after the recent intense heat.

26/07 23:54 AVISOS PASADO MAÑANA | España: temperaturas máximas, costeros y vientos. Nivel máximo de aviso: naranja.
Actualizaciones en https://t.co/BLdoSsO2Qv pic.twitter.com/SAfFBt6iCD

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 26, 2026

Cooling breezes for the East Coast in Spain

The Valencia region has been enjoying some typical summer stability. Monday looks settled across the Valencian Community with mostly clear or lightly clouded skies. Coastal capitals will see highs of 31ºC in Alicante and Castellon de la Plana, and 30ºC in Valencia. Inland spots vary more, with Onteniente reaching 34ºC and Requena 33ºC. Orihuela in Alicante province could hit 33ºC, while Morella in Castellon starts fresh at 18ºC before climbing to near 30ºC.

Breezes from the east and southeast will help moderate coastal heat from midday. Winds start light and variable, becoming fresher in the afternoon before easing again later. Murcia is due to stay warm with little variation. Monday brings clear skies to Murcia with highs near 34ºC and lows around 21ºC. Tuesday stays similar at 35ºC maximum, while Wednesday could reach 36ºC under continued clear conditions.

Heatwave conditions due to return midweek

Heat is due to rise again with threats of a fourth big heatwave coming our way. Models show warmer air spreading across Spain as the week progresses. Many inland areas could see temperatures climb sharply, with 36ºC to 38ºC possible in major river valleys by Tuesday. Some spots in Andalucia, Extremadura and beyond may push towards 40ºC by Wednesday. This pattern signals a potential return to hotter conditions after the recent dip.

#ElTiempo
🌡️ Volvemos a hablar de 40 ºC en valles de suroeste. La subida de temperaturas es generalizada acompañadas de tiempo estable.

☁️ La excepción estará en el litoral cantábrico donde tendremos nubes. Rachas muy fuertes de viento en El Estrecho.

🔗 https://t.co/YmmICKUMeF pic.twitter.com/Le8My6u3Se

— Meteored España (@MeteoredES) July 27, 2026

Coastal breezes will offer some comfort in places like Malaga and Valencia, but inland residents and visitors should stay hydrated and avoid peak afternoon sun. Calima in the south will reduce visibility and add to discomfort in affected zones. Holidaymakers on the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca can still enjoy plenty of sunshine, though those sensitive to dust or humidity might notice the difference from Tuesday onwards.

Planners recommend checking local AEMET updates, especially for trips into interior regions where the heat will feel more intense. Early mornings and evenings remain the most pleasant times for outdoor activities before temperatures ramp up. With the week starting on a relatively mild note in many coastal spots before the shift, Spaniards and tourists alike have a narrow window to savour before the next hot push arrives. Stay prepared and make the most of any fresher breezes while they last.