Spain experiences an intense heatwave throughout August, reaching peak temperatures until August 13th.
The Iberian Peninsula is currently experiencing a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures expected to remain high until at least August 18, 2025. This marks the second major heatwave of the summer, and it's not showing signs of abating anytime soon [1][2][5].
The current weather pattern is dominated by a warm, dry air mass from Africa, which has generated a relatively stationary weather pattern, causing sustained extreme heat [1][3][5]. As a result, daytime temperatures are reaching unprecedented heights. In some western regions such as Andalucia, temperatures have already reached up to 45.5°C, while many areas are seeing highs between 40°C and 43°C [1][2][5].
Over the weekend and into Monday, highs are forecast to rise again, with 40°C to 42°C expected broadly, especially in the southwest and some eastern areas [1][2][5]. Nighttime lows are also remaining high, typically above 25°C, contributing to the persistence and intensity of the heatwave [2].
Associated gusts of wind could be locally very strong, and isolated thunderstorms could occur during the afternoon, especially around the Betic Mountains. However, these storms are unlikely to provide significant relief from the heat [1].
Portugal is also experiencing a new heatwave, with peaks of up to 41°C expected in the valleys of the Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir rivers. Temperatures could reach up to 43°C in some regions [1]. The heatwave began last Sunday, August 3, and alerts are active in nearly the entire country [1].
In the Canary Islands, temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C to 42°C over the weekend, with minimum temperatures not dropping below 26°C to 28°C [1]. From Friday onwards, tropical nights with minimal cooling during the early morning hours will also occur in the northeastern lowlands. The nights in many areas of the centre, south, and Mediterranean coast will not offer relief, with minimum temperatures not falling below 23°C to 25°C [1].
Aemet, the Spanish meteorological agency, has warned people to be extremely cautious, stay hydrated, avoid exposure to the sun during the middle of the day, and follow the recommendations of the local authorities [1]. Although a change is expected from August 13, with more marked temperature drops in the west, the values will continue to be abnormally high [1].
Sources:
- Aemet
- El País
- BBC News
- The Local
- The Guardian
- The prolonged heatwave in the Iberian Peninsula, coupled with the upcoming high temperatures, raises concerns about the impact on the environment and potential aggravation of climate change, as reported by Aemet and other sources.
- This weather pattern, characterized by high temperatures and minimal relief at night, is a stark reminder of the role of weather forecasting and environmental science in understanding and preparing for extreme events like heatwaves, as highlighted by Aemet, The Guardian, and El País.
