Summer refuses to leave Spain as temperatures surge back towards 38ºC

If you were hoping that the cooler spell had finally signalled the end of summer, you may want to hold off putting the fans away. Temperatures are set to climb again across much of Spain this weekend, with some parts of the south heading towards 38ºC and conditions expected to remain unusually hot into next week.

The return of the heat will be most noticeable in southern and inland areas, where temperatures will rise well above what would normally be expected in mid-September. For residents, that means another weekend of limiting exposure during the hottest part of the day, while anyone heading outdoors, working outside or caring for vulnerable relatives will need to take the renewed heat into account. 

Where will it be hottest?

According to the latest forecast from Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), temperatures will rise progressively over the weekend, with the south seeing some of the highest values. Andalucía, Extremadura and parts of Castilla-La Mancha are expected to be among the hottest areas. Maximum temperatures will exceed 34ºC and could reach 36ºC to 38ºC in parts of the Guadalquivir, Tajo and Guadiana valleys. 

Cities including Córdoba, Sevilla and Badajoz are expected to see temperatures around or above 36ºC during the coming days. Córdoba has already experienced a significant drop from the extreme temperatures recorded earlier this month, but the heat is now building again. AEMET records show the airport reached 41.3ºC on September 6, before falling to 34ºC on September 10.  The latest forecasts indicate that the weekend will bring another rise, with temperatures continuing upwards into the start of next week.

Heat spreads beyond the south

It will not just be Andalucía and Extremadura feeling the return of summer. AEMET forecasts temperatures of around 34ºC to 36ºC across large parts of central and southern Spain on Monday and Tuesday, while areas around the Ebro Valley and northeastern Spain could also become particularly warm.

Zaragoza and Lleida could approach 37ºC to 38ºC, while Pamplona and Huesca could reach around 35ºC. Inland Galicia could also see temperatures in the mid-30s.  The Canary Islands will also remain hot, with temperatures exceeding 36ºC in parts of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Other islands are expected to see maximums of around 32ºC to 34ºC. 

Cooler conditions in northern Spain

The heat will not be the same across the country, the north is expected to remain noticeably cooler, particularly along the Cantabrian coast. A front approaching the far north next week could bring increased cloud, some rain and a drop in temperatures in parts of Galicia and the Cantabrian region.  For much of the rest of Spain, however, the weather will remain settled and dry.

AEMET says temperatures during the coming period could be 5ºC to 10ºC above normal for the time of year, with some areas of the north exceeding the seasonal average by more than 10ºC.  That means September is continuing to behave more like an extension of summer than the start of autumn.

What we should expect

For people living in the hottest areas, the biggest change will be the return of genuinely high afternoon temperatures after the recent cooler conditions. If you are planning outdoor activities this weekend, particularly in southern or inland Spain, the hottest part of the afternoon is likely to be the least comfortable time to be outside. Those who are particularly sensitive to heat should take extra care with hydration and avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunshine.

The return of high temperatures is also important for anyone who has already started adapting their routine to cooler September weather. Pets, older people and young children can all be affected by renewed heat, particularly when temperatures remain high for several days. And this is not expected to be a one-day spike.

AEMET’s latest assessment indicates that the hot conditions will continue into Monday and Tuesday, with some areas potentially reaching their highest temperatures of the new episode at the beginning of next week.  After a brief taste of autumn, Spain is once again getting another reminder that summer is not finished yet.