The AEMET warns of the first heatwave of the summer: over 40ºC during the day and nights above 20ºC

The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has warned that intense heat will be the main protagonist of the coming days in Spain and has advanced that the country could face the first heatwave of the summer. Forecasts point to extraordinarily high temperatures for this time of year, with maximums exceeding 40ºC in several areas of the country and tropical nights in large areas of the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands.

An exceptional heat episode for the month of June

The AEMET spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, explained that the rise in temperatures will begin to be noticed from this Wednesday, although it will be during the weekend when the episode reaches its peak.

According to the Agency's forecasts, from Sunday onwards, extraordinarily high values for these dates will be recorded, to the point that the average temperature in Spain could reach levels never seen at this time of year since homogeneous records began in 1950.

AEMET predicts that temperatures will be between 5 and 10 degrees above normal in much of the country and even exceed 10 degrees of anomaly in some points of the northern half of the peninsula.

More than 40 degrees in several areas of Spain

For this Wednesday, a generalized rise in temperatures is already expected. Thermometers will exceed 35ºC in much of the peninsular northeast, in points of the Northern Plateau, the central area, the southern half, and also in Mallorca.

In addition, 38ºC will be reached or exceeded in areas of the Guadalquivir valley and the Ebro valley.

The situation will barely vary during Thursday and Friday, days in which very warm weather will continue in much of the territory.

However, the episode will intensify during the weekend. From Saturday, AEMET predicts a new generalized rise in temperatures, both day and night. In numerous areas of the country, 35ºC will be exceeded, and in points of the peninsular northeast, the center, and the southern half, 40ºC will be surpassed.

Tropical nights and heat also during the early morning

The heat will not give respite even during the night. The Agency predicts that minimum temperatures will not drop below 20ºC almost generally in many areas of Spain, especially in the Mediterranean and in large areas of the central and southern peninsula.

These so-called tropical nights make rest difficult and increase the risk for the most vulnerable people, especially the elderly, children, and people with chronic diseases.

Storms with hail and strong wind gusts

Although heat will be the main protagonist in the coming days, stability will not be absolute. AEMET also forecasts the formation of afternoon storms in areas of the Northern Plateau and in mountain systems.

These precipitations may be accompanied by hail and very intense wind gusts, especially in areas of the Cantabrian mountain range, the Iberian system, and the Pyrenees.

When is a heatwave considered?

AEMET reminds that a heatwave is declared when temperatures are anomalously above normal values for at least three consecutive days and affect a large part of the territory.

Due to the intensity of the forecasted temperatures, the duration of the episode, and the affected geographical extension, the Agency considers it probable that Spain is facing the first heatwave of summer 2026 and maintains constant monitoring of the evolution of forecasts to activate, if necessary, the corresponding risk warnings for the population.