These are the provincial capitals that could exceed 40 ºC in the first heat wave of the summer

Spain is preparing for an exceptional heat episode that could become the first heatwave of summer 2026. Although the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) still calls for caution before officially confirming the episode, forecasts point to temperatures typical of mid-August, coinciding, moreover, with the start of astronomical summer this Sunday.

Meteored experts warn that a powerful subtropical ridge will bring very high temperatures not only to Spain, but also to a large part of Europe. In our country, thermometers will generally exceed 30 ºC and, in numerous inland areas, they will approach or even exceed 40 ºC.

Capitals that will approach or exceed 40 ºC

The most affected areas will be those close to the large river valleys, especially those of the Ebro, Guadalquivir, Guadiana, and Tagus. According to current forecasts, on Saturday cities such as Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Badajoz, Toledo, Madrid, and Zaragoza could approach the 40-degree barrier.

In some areas around Cordoba, meteorological models even contemplate maximums of up to 41 ºC. The heat will also be very intense in wide areas of the central and southern peninsula, where temperatures will be well above usual values for the second half of June.

Looking ahead to Sunday, the episode will intensify even further, and other capitals such as Ciudad Real, Cáceres, and Jaén will be added. In the case of Badajoz, Eltiempo.es forecasts point to maximums that could reach 42 ºC.

Are we facing the first heatwave of the summer?

AEMET reminds that for an episode to be officially considered a heatwave, abnormally high temperatures must occur for at least three consecutive days and in a wide part of the national territory.

For now, forecasts indicate that maximum temperatures will be between 5 and 10 degrees above the usual average for this time of year, a clearly exceptional threshold for mid-June.

AEMET spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, has indicated that it is possible that the first heatwave of 2026 will finally be declared, although it is still too early to accurately determine the temperatures that will be reached and, above all, how long the episode will last.

Risk for the most vulnerable groups

If the heat also continues on Monday and Tuesday, the episode could meet all the criteria to be classified as a heatwave. Authorities remind that these situations pose a greater risk for the elderly, children, those suffering from chronic diseases, and workers who carry out their activity outdoors.

In addition to extreme highs, tropical nights are also expected in many areas of the country, with temperatures that will not drop below 20 ºC and that will make nighttime rest difficult at the very beginning of summer.