Summer refuses to leave Spain as temperatures surge back towards 38ºC

You may want to wait a little longer before putting away the fans if you thought the cooler spell would finally bring an end to summer. Temperatures are set to climb again across much of Spain this weekend, with some parts of the south heading towards 38ºC and conditions expected to remain unusually hot into next week.

In the south and in the inland, temperatures will rise above normal mid-September levels. Residents will have to limit their exposure during the hotter parts of the day. Anyone who is going outside, working outdoors or caring for elderly relatives should also take this into consideration. 

Where will the hottest spots be?

According to the latest forecast According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency, temperatures will increase gradually over the weekend. The south is expected to have some of the highest temperatures. Andalucía, Extremadura and parts of Castilla-La Mancha are expected to be among the hottest areas. Maximum temperatures will exceed 34ºC and could reach 36ºC to 38ºC in parts of the Guadalquivir, Tajo and Guadiana valleys. 

Cities including Córdoba, Sevilla and Badajoz are expected to see temperatures around or above 36ºC during the coming days. Córdoba has already experienced a significant drop from the extreme temperatures recorded earlier this month, but the heat is now building again. AEMET records show the airport reached 41.3ºC on September 6, before falling to 34ºC on September 10.  Forecasts suggest that temperatures will continue to rise into next week, and even through the weekend.

Heat waves spread beyond the South

It will not just be Andalucía and Extremadura feeling the return of summer. AEMET forecasts temperatures of around 34ºC to 36ºC across large parts of central and southern Spain on Monday and Tuesday, while areas around the Ebro Valley and northeastern Spain could also become particularly warm.

Zaragoza and Lleida could approach 37ºC to 38ºC, while Pamplona and Huesca could reach around 35ºC. Inland Galicia will also be experiencing temperatures around mid-30s.  The Canary Islands will also remain hot, with temperatures exceeding 36ºC in parts of Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria. Other islands are expected to see maximums of around 32ºC to 34ºC. 

The north of Spain has cooled down

The temperature will be different across the country. The north, especially along the Cantabrian Coast, is expected to stay noticeably cooler. Next week, a front moving towards the north could bring more cloud cover, rain and cooler temperatures to parts of Galicia.  In the rest of Spain the weather is likely to remain dry and sunny.

AEMET says temperatures during the coming period could be 5ºC to 10ºC above normal for the time of year, with some areas of the north exceeding the seasonal average by more than 10ºC.  The month of September will continue to be more like a summer extension than the beginnings of autumn.

What to expect

After the recent cooler temperatures, those who live in the hottest regions will notice the most significant change. You should avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon heat, especially if you live in Spain’s south or interior. Heat-sensitive people should avoid direct sunlight and drink plenty of water.

Anyone who has begun to adjust their routines due to the cooler weather in September will also benefit from the return of high temperatures. The return of heat can affect pets, elderly people, and children, especially when the temperatures are high for a few days. It is unlikely that this will be just a one-day increase.

AEMET’s most recent assessment shows that hot weather will continue through Monday and Tuesday. Some areas may reach their highest temperatures for the new episode as early as next week.  A brief taste of AutumnSpain has yet another reminder of the fact that summer is still not over.