Spain is bracing for another bout of extreme heat as forecasts warn of temperatures soaring past 40 degrees Celsius in various regions, persisting into the weekend. The national weather agency has issued orange heat alerts extending through Friday, with predictions indicating that temperatures could hit 42C in Madrid and southern areas of the country. The most intense heat is anticipated in the inland areas of Andalusia, where temperatures are forecast to reach between 42C and 43C.
Among the regions expected to be severely affected are Córdoba and Sevilla. In Córdoba, temperatures are predicted to climb to approximately 43C on Thursday, with the heat remaining near 40C through Friday. The province is currently under a yellow heat alert, and these abnormally high temperatures are expected to persist into the early days of the following week. Similarly, in Sevilla, the Campiña Sevillana area is under an orange warning, anticipating temperatures to rise to 41C during the afternoon and evening hours.
Heatwave conditions are spreading across Spain, with temperatures projected to exceed 40C in locales such as Badajoz, Cáceres, Córdoba, Sevilla, Granada, Jaén, Zaragoza, Lleida, Logroño, and Toledo. Many areas of mainland Spain are expected to see temperatures surpassing 34C, while Mallorca may experience highs above 35C. Furthermore, warm nights are forecast in parts of southern Spain, along the Mediterranean coast, and across the Balearic and Canary Islands, with minimum temperatures potentially hitting 25C in some locations.
The sweltering conditions are attributed to a very warm air mass prevailing over mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands. This heat also raises the risk of wildfires, with certain areas facing potentially severe fire danger. Although a slight dip in temperatures is anticipated in some regions post-Friday, the unusually hot weather is likely to persist throughout the weekend. However, northern coastal areas may see relief with milder temperatures generally staying in the mid-20s.