Spain's Meteorological Forecast for July 7: Expect High Temperatures and Alerts for Heavy Rain in Nine Regions
Spain is currently grappling with an intense heatwave, as a persistent heat dome over Western Europe drives extreme temperatures and primarily dry conditions across the country. This weather phenomenon is expected to last for at least two weeks, with southern and western regions experiencing the most severe heat.
### Temperature
Southern and western Spain, including Andalusia, Cadiz, and Malaga, will see temperatures soar up to 45°C or higher. This extreme heat is anticipated to persist for about 7 to 10 days, with the heatwave strengthening after July 6th and continuing into next week. Other parts of Spain, including eastern and northern regions, will also face above-average temperatures, but they will be slightly cooler than the extreme south and west.
### Precipitation
Most areas in Spain will remain dry during this intense heatwave, as the heat dome promotes stable, dry conditions. However, some regions, such as Catalonia and the Valencian Community, have forecasts indicating possible rain and storms. These could be isolated events and are more typical where frontal systems attempt to push in.
### Wind Conditions
Winds are expected to be generally light to moderate, but local variations include sea breezes in coastal regions like Valencia, Malaga, and Barcelona, which could provide some relief from the heat during the day. Inland areas might have lighter winds, allowing heat to build up substantially without much relief.
### Regional Summary
| Region | Temperature | Precipitation | Wind | |----------------------|------------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------| | Southern Spain (Andalucía, Cádiz, Málaga) | Up to 45°C+ | Mostly dry | Light to moderate, possible sea breeze[1][3] | | Western Spain (Extremadura, parts of Castilla y León) | Very hot, around 40-45°C | Mostly dry | Light winds | | Eastern Spain (Valencia, Catalonia, Barcelona) | Hot, but slightly cooler, 35-40°C | Some chance of storms/rain showers[4] | Light to moderate winds, coastal influence[3][4] | | Northern Spain | Warm, but cooler than south, likely mid-30s°C | Some showers/storms possible | Variable, possibly breezier in some areas |
### Outlook
The heatwave driven by the heat dome is expected to remain entrenched at least through early to mid-July, maintaining extreme heat in southern and western Spain. Some localized storm activity and precipitation may occur in northern and eastern parts as unstable air masses occasionally move in. Cooling is unlikely until the heat dome weakens, which is not expected imminently.
Residents are advised to prepare for extreme heat and remain alert for any localized thunderstorms in the northeast. On Thursday, winds will be generally light, with moderate westerly winds in the Strait and moderate northeast winds in the Canary Islands. In the Canaries, the most eastern islands will have cloudy intervals with occasional rain. On Thursday, the east will maintain cloudy intervals and light showers, especially in southern Iberia and the eastern Pyrenees.
Yellow alerts have been activated in several regions, including Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, Extremadura, and Madrid, for high temperatures. Winds will be weak across the peninsula and Balearics, with the exception of the Canary Islands, where moderate winds are expected.
Sources: [1] Meteo France [2] Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET) [3] UK Met Office [4] European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
The average temperature in southern and western Spain will soar above 40°C, making it one of the hottest regions in the country during the ongoing heatwave. On the other hand, weather-forecasting models suggest a slight chance of rain and storms in eastern and northern Spain, offering a potential respite from the extreme heat in those areas.
