Spain preparing for 45ºC scorcher and fierce east coast storms as the third heatwave hits from Tuesday

Spanish meteorologists at Aemet have confirmed the third real heatwave of summer will arrive on Tuesday, 21 July, and last at least until Thursday, 23 July, bringing even more extreme temperatures that could locally top 45ºC across wide areas of the south-east, Guadalquivir Valley and Ebro Valley.

Overnight temperatures will remain stubbornly high, making for sticky and steamy nights.

Temperatures are on the rise from Tuesday

Maximums on Tuesday, July 21, are reckoned will reach 39-41ºC The Ebro valley, depressions to the north, eastern Castilla La Mancha, the upper Guadalquivir as well as inland Mallorca will also be affected. The Genil basin could see between 40 and 42ºC, while parts of the inland south-east push 41-43ºC, with isolated spots already threatening as much as 44ºC.

On Wednesday, July 22 the mercury is still high, especially in the southwest part of Spain. Readings of 39-41ºC are still likely in the Ebro Valley, eastern Castilla-La Mancha and inland Mallorca, while the Guadalquivir Valley and nearby sierras, plus the Genil basin, hit 40-42ºC. Inland areas of the south-eastern third look set for 41-43ºC and could again go over 44ºC in places.

On Thursday, the 23rd of July, the heat wave is expected to be at its peak. Expect 37-39ºC inland Mallorca, 39-41ºC in eastern Castilla-La Mancha, 40-42ºC in the Ebro Valley and north-eastern depressions, 41-43ºC in the Guadalquivir Valley, adjacent sierras and Genil basin, and 42-44ºC across the south-eastern third.

El calor será significativo en casi toda la península, pero todo apunta que la peor parte se la llevaría el sureste peninsular🥵

Las máximas podrán alcanzar los 43-44°C e incluso los 45° en esta región.
En el Valle del Guadalquivir también apretará el calor con máximas de hasta… pic.twitter.com/4LTn5uGUGt

— Stormyalert (@Stormyalert) July 19, 2026

Local values above 45ºC are possible in the hottest spots

Monday, July 20, already looks very hot even though it sits outside the official heatwave window, with 38-40ºC possible in the Ebro Valley and north-eastern lowlands, 39-41ºC along the upper and middle Guadalquivir and Genil, and 40-42ºC inland in the south-east. Aemet is not ruling out extending heatwaves backwards in the event that new data confirms it.

⚠️ AVISO SPECIAL | OLA DE CALOR

➡️ Las temperaturas podrán alcanzar valores extremos, superando incluso puntualmente 44 o 45 °C el miércoles y jueves.

➡️ El episodio se prolongará, al menos, hasta el jueves 23.

You can find out more about us at:👉 pic.twitter.com/gwgjmuy3CH

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) July 18, 2026

The summer storms can help to reduce the heat

It is expected that the same intense heating during the daytime, which is causing high temperatures, will also lead to strong afternoon storms in parts of eastern and southern Spain. The energy that is built up in the hottest part of the day, combined with cooler air above, will likely cause convective storms to form around midday. This is especially true over mountainous areas and inland zones.

The most at-risk areas are in the Valencian Community (Venice province, southern Castellon, and Castilla La Mancha’s south-east, particularly the Altiplano and north-west of Murcia), Castilla La Mancha’s south-east, which includes Albacete. Some storms can be dry but still produce strong downbursts and wind gusts over 100 km/h. They may also produce frequent lightning or large hail. Heavy showers with 15-20 litres/square metre can occur, sometimes turning muddy due to the Saharan dust in the air.

Mapa de concentración de polvo en suspensión para el lunes y martes en Andalucía y Málaga @ilillom @DiarioSUR @Storm_Malaga pic.twitter.com/MDjsoQCCiR

— Jose Luis Escudero Gallegos (@tormentayrayos) July 19, 2026

The same activity may spread to neighbouring zones, including the Iberian System and the Pyrenees, as well as parts of the inland Catalonia. However, it will be less intense. Storm activity should ease After sunset, once the surface heating has faded.

Safety in extreme weather conditions

Aemet (the official national meteorological service) has indicated that there is a significant level of risk during the day. This includes outdoor work, elderly people, children under the age of 10, and anyone suffering from heart or respiratory problems. In many hot districts, the fire risk is also at an extreme level. This will be exacerbated by strong gusts and dry lightning.

Avoid the countryside in the heat of the day and during storms. While coastal spots may feel less oppressive than valleys in the inland, humidity can still cause conditions to be uncomfortable.