Thunderstorms strike eastern Spain before 42°C heatwave hits southern valleys

Spanish weather forecasters are saying thunderstorms will affect large parts of the east of the country from Monday before an all-new heat dome causes temperatures to rise above 40ºC in southern valleys by midweek.

As the weather in the south and central areas begins to warm, heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected in eastern zones.

Monday, June 29, Spain weather – Thunderstorms east and rising temperature

Eastern areas are predicted to see mostly clear skies At the beginning of today, moderate rain will fall along the Cantabrian Coast where accumulations may reach up to 10 litres/square metre. Showers are expected to intensify in the afternoon over the Pyrenees Mountains, interior Catalonia and southern Aragon. Also, across Valencia, Murcia, the Murcia Region, eastern Andalucia, and the eastern half Castilla La Mancha. In the middle of the country there will likely be accumulations between 20 and 30 litres/square metre, with frequent lightning and possible hail.

Mucha precaución en zonas de tormenta, sobre todo en carretera. Son tormentas de corta duración, pero con fenómenos adversos en las zonas de paso.
Imágenes la @DGTes de la A3 a su paso por Utiel, Caudete de las Fuentes y la zona del embalse de Contreras. pic.twitter.com/ufNPBrCnIJ

— AEMET Comunitat Valenciana (@AEMET_CValencia) June 28, 2026

Residents of these eastern zones could experience sudden changes as storms bring lightning strikes and windy conditions which disrupt outdoor plans. Morning rain will remain lighter in the northern coastal districts while afternoon weather cells should concentrate further south. The models forecasts are able to keep the totals in check, yet local rainfall is heavy enough that it can cause surface water on low areas and make driving difficult.

High-pressure systems that are stationary trap a lot more hot air in the southern regions, pushing temperatures up and creating a humid feeling. Heat warnings cover the Guadalquivir Valley, southern plateau and Madrid region, where many locations will exceed 36ºC. Similar highs of 35ºC to 36ºC will continue to affect interior Catalonia and the lower Ebro areas. Extremadura and western parts will also record readings above 36ºC as the warmth builds from the south and west.

Tuesday, June 30, Spain: Weather stability returns with some showers

A semblance if stability will take over the majority of the country with only weak rains, particularly on the north coast. Evening showers in eastern mountainous areas are likely to be isolated, with a limited amount of precipitation. The west will bring drier air, which will reduce the chances of storms in the interior.

Temperatures then climb even more still, with 40ºC in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys. Southern areas are likely to feel the most intense heat, while coastal areas in northern Spain will remain cooler with lingering clouds. The models show that the heat will be firmly established in these valleys, with little relief over night in many low lying areas.

While the amounts remain small, eastern mountain districts are still the primary focus for late-day activity. The overall pattern will be calmer, allowing for longer dry spells in most regions. The weather forecasts for Spain are improving, especially for outdoor activities and travel away from the extreme north coast.

Weather for Wednesday, July 1, Spain: Wet weather before the heat comes up

In the interior of Catalonia and Mallorca, afternoon showers are forming. The rain is light and manageable, with accumulations in most areas well below the levels of Monday. Under increasing high pressure, the rest of the nation is expected to experience mainly dry weather.

Heat continues to increase. with the most extreme readings expected Southern valleys. Forecasts indicate a maximum of 42ºC in Seville, 41ºC in Badajoz and 40ºC in Cordoba by Thursday, though the heat is due to intensify from Tuesday. Guadalquivir & Guadiana are most affected with very little breeze.
Most Julys start with high temperatures in the south plateau and interior Galicia. Spanish heatwave predictions show that this pattern will dominate until the middle of next weeks, with little chance of rain after Thursday.

Spain’s weather is showing that summer has really arrived.