Spain Facing Unforeseen Weather Event from Storm Dexter This Week
The Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a warning for a continued heatwave across Spain, Portugal, and the Canary Islands, with temperatures expected to soar above 35°C in most areas.
The heatwave, which has been ongoing for over a week, has already claimed over 1,000 heat-related deaths in Spain this July, marking a 57% increase compared to 2024. The intensity of the heatwave is expected to reduce from August 14, but there is uncertainty about precipitation during the predicted temperature drop.
Nighttime mugginess is rising significantly, particularly in the Canary Islands and the southwestern peninsula. AEMET forecasts the arrival of summer storms and continued high temperatures across the peninsula and Canary Islands.
Despite the ongoing heatwave, there is some hope on the horizon. AEMET predicts a temperature drop starting on August 14, with temperatures across most of Spain likely to normalize by the last week of August. However, the northeast and parts of the Balearics may remain warmer than usual even after the heatwave.
Some areas in the southern Atlantic region and eastern Canary Islands will reach temperatures of 40°C. Maximum temperatures will rise in the northern Mediterranean, western Andalusia, the Canary Islands, northern Galicia, the Cantabrian coast, and the upper Ebro area. Nighttime temperatures will remain high, particularly in the southern half of Spain, the Mediterranean coast, the Balearics, the Canary Islands, northeastern depressions, parts of the northern and southern plateaus, and Galicia.
Contrary to some speculation, post-tropical cyclone Dexter, which formed on August 4, 2025, did not affect Spain, and there is no forecast tied to it for temperature changes or weather normalization across Spain from August 14 onward. The heat waves in Spain have been attributed to a variety of factors, but Dexter was not among them.
As always, it is important to stay hydrated, seek shade during peak sunlight hours, and check on vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, during periods of extreme heat.
References: [1] Tropical Storm Dexter (2025) - Wikipedia [2] Tropical Storm Dexter (2025) - National Hurricane Center
The ongoing heatwave, a result of multiple factors and not influenced by post-tropical cyclone Dexter, has also affected Portugal and the Canary Islands, causing concerns in environmental-science circles due to its potential impact on climate-change trends. As the heatwave gradually subsides in Spain from August 14, scientists will closely monitor the weather patterns, particularly the precipitation during the predicted temperature drop, to understand its implications on the environment and future weather conditions.
