Spain starts August under the threat of a heat wave that will affect practically the entire territory. After a milder July thanks to the influence of the polar jet stream, the arrival of a warm, dry air mass coming from North Africa This will cause temperatures to soar above the usual values for this time of year. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this situation will continue at least until next weekend and could last several more days.
During this first big wave of the month, the The thermal sensation will be oppressive in large areas of the country And, furthermore, no rain or significant changes are expected to bring relief. The skies will remain mostly clear., which will contribute to both daytime highs and nighttime lows remaining at unusually high levels.
The situation began to be noticed on Sunday, August 3, when Badajoz reached 43,4 degrees, exceeding the threshold of 42 degrees at eight other stations, according to AEMET. High temperatures will persist and, according to forecasts, this phenomenon could continue. until at least Sunday, August 10, with the usual uncertainty that accompanies these extreme episodes.
This episode corresponds to a widespread thermal rise which will have its most important peak at the beginning of the week. The maximum temperatures will remain near or above 40ºC in the depressions of the southwest of the peninsula, especially in the valleys of the Guadiana and Guadalquivir, where temperatures could even exceed 42°C at times. At night, the situation will not improve much: in large areas of the center and south, Minimum temperatures will not drop below 23-25ºC, which guarantees tropical and even equatorial nights in urban areas.
With regards to evolution of heat throughout the weekOn Monday, the temperature increases will have a strong impact on the interior of the Cantabrian coast, with extreme temperatures also extending to the Tagus and Miño valleys. On Tuesday, the north will experience a brief drop in temperature, but on Wednesday, temperatures will rise again across much of the peninsula.
Most affected regions and cities
La The heat wave will be especially severe in Andalusia, Extremadura, Castilla-La Mancha, and Madrid.. Capitals such as Córdoba (43ºC), Ourense (42ºC), Badajoz (42ºC), Jaén (41ºC) and Ciudad Real (41ºC) are among those that will record the most extreme highs. In Madrid, temperatures are expected to reach 39ºC, and in Barcelona, 31ºC., although the heat will be even more pronounced on Tuesday in much of the central and southern peninsula.
El Northwest and northern inland, including Galicia, León and the Ebro Valley, will experience highs of 36 to 39ºC, while in the northern coast, such as Asturias and CantabriaTemperatures will remain between 25 and 30°C. The Canary Islands will also notice the increase, mainly in inland areas, although the technical criteria for a heat wave are not expected to be reached.
The Nighttime temperatures will be another of the great challenges of this episode. The so-called "tropical nights" will be widespread, and in many areas, they will even be called "equatorial nights" because they never drop below 25°C. Cities like Montoro (Cordoba), Valverde del Fresno (Caceres) and Almaden (Ciudad Real) They are among those that have recorded the highest minimum temperatures so far this wave.
Duration outlook and uncertainties
Experts insist that it is difficult to specify how long these extreme conditions will continueCurrent forecasts suggest the wave could persist until at least the middle of next week, but the exact duration depends on the development of the African air mass and certain atmospheric factors that are difficult to predict. Although a decrease in temperature is likely in the north starting Wednesday, central and southern areas will remain exposed to intense heat for several days.
This pattern has already become the norm in recent summers. According to AEMET records, Heat waves in Spain tend to be more frequent, intense and longerThe longest to date was in July 2022, which lasted 18 days and affected 44 provinces. However, this summer of 2025 began with record temperatures in June and reached new highs in August.
Health risks and recommendations
Extreme heat poses a health risk, especially for the elderly, children, and those with chronic illnesses. According to studies by the Carlos III Health Institute, mortality increases significantly when certain maximum temperature thresholds are exceeded, which vary depending on the area. Therefore, alert systems have been established that take into account both maximum values and the persistence of the episode.
During these days, the The Ministry of Health and the AEMET maintain different alarm levels activated. that mark the risk in municipalities and areas known as "meteohealth zones." It's crucial to follow these recommendations: frequent hydration, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, reduce physical activity during the central hours of the day and pay attention to the most vulnerable groups.
Tips for coping with a heat wave
- Protect yourself from the sun: Limit direct exposure, especially between 12 and 18 p.m.
- Refresh: Use fans or air conditioning whenever possible and cool off with water.
- Caring for food: Opt for light meals rich in fruits and vegetables, and increase fluid intake.
- Monitor the health of dependent persons: Make sure children, the elderly, and the sick are safe from the heat.
Authorities also warn about the increase in tropical nights and recommend creating the coolest possible environment in homes by using blinds and night ventilation.
The extreme heat of these days highlights the impact of the climate change on the frequency and severity of heat wavesSummer is getting longer, and maximum temperatures, even in June and July, are breaking records year after year. With the current African air mass, the trend points to a sweltering August, in which prevention and information will be essential tools to mitigate its effects.
