Spain's weather agency, Aemet, has announced a new heat wave alert, predicting it will be short-lived, with the final end day identified.
As Spain enters the middle of August, the country is still grappling with a persistent heat wave that began on August 3, 2025. The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has extended its warning for the heat wave, predicting that it will last until at least August 18, 2025 [2][4].
Initially, Aemet had forecasted the heat wave to last at least until August 12 or 13 [1][3]. However, a more recent update has extended the warning period through August 18 [2][4]. A brief respite with cooler temperatures and storms occurred around August 13-14, but intense heat returned on August 14 and is forecast to persist through August 18 [2][4].
Temperatures in large parts of Spain often reach 40 to 42 °C during this period [1][2][3]. The heat wave is causing an anomalously hot air mass to form over most of the Peninsula and the Canary Islands.
In the coming days, the northeastern quadrant of the peninsula could see temperatures rise again. On Sunday, maximum temperatures are expected to increase notably, possibly extending to the north of the Mediterranean coast [1]. In contrast, temperatures in the northwest quadrant, particularly in Galicia, are expected to begin to drop from Monday [1].
The heat wave is also expected to see a notable increase in maximum temperatures on Sunday [1]. Aemet warns that due to the very high temperatures reached in the previous days, the heat wave criterion could still be met on Wednesday, day 13 [1]. However, there is uncertainty for Thursday, and the most likely scenario is that there will be a decrease in temperatures in the most affected areas along this heat wave episode [1].
The heat wave in Canarias is expected to end on Tuesday [1]. Meanwhile, temperatures in the rest of the country will remain similar to the previous day on Tuesday [1]. On Wednesday, there is a possibility of light to moderate decreases in maximum temperatures in the Peninsula [1].
Minimum temperatures will not drop below 22-25°C in areas of the southern half of the peninsula, Mediterranean coasts, Ebro valley, and depressions of the northeast until at least Tuesday 12 [1].
Residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this period. The heat wave is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme weather events and taking steps to protect oneself and one's loved ones.
[1] Aemet. (2025). Heat wave warning extended until August 18, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aemet.es/es/actualidad/comunicados/2025/08/12/aviso-de-calor-extendido-hasta-el-18-de-agosto-2025 [2] Aemet. (2025). Heat wave update: August 12, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aemet.es/es/actualidad/comunicados/2025/08/12/actualizacion-de-aviso-de-calor-del-12-de-agosto-2025 [3] Aemet. (2025). Heat wave warning: August 3, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aemet.es/es/actualidad/comunicados/2025/08/03/aviso-de-calor-del-3-de-agosto-2025 [4] Aemet. (2025). Heat wave warning: August 13, 2025. Retrieved from https://www.aemet.es/es/actualidad/comunicados/2025/08/13/aviso-de-calor-del-13-de-agosto-2025
Art has always been a means of expressing the human condition, a reflection of the world we live in. As the heat wave in Spain persists, one can only wonder how this intense weather might inspire artists to create works that explore our connection to the environment and the raw power of nature. On the other hand, scientists are examining the data, seeking to understand the climate patterns that led to this prolonged heat wave, and predicting its impact on weather patterns in the future.
