In the final stretch of May 2025, Spain experiences one of the sharpest temperature increases in recent years.After a spring marked by instability and higher-than-usual rainfall, a sudden change in the weather has left the country in a markedly summery mood, with temperatures often similar to those normally reached in mid-August.
The heat has arrived suddenly, with records that They reach up to 40 °C in some parts of the south, especially in Andalusia., even exceeding the usual temperatures in cities like Cairo. The presence of a warm ridge in the middle and upper layers of the atmosphere and a persistent anticyclone mark this unusual event for this time of year.
An unprecedented temperature rise in May
This warm episode has repercussions in practically the entire countryFrom the western part of the peninsula to the central region, and especially in the Guadalquivir Valley—where Córdoba and Seville reach temperatures approaching and exceeding 39-40°C—temperatures are reaching levels that are very unusual for the month of May.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has activated the first heat warnings of the year, which have gradually spread to various communities such as Andalusia, Extremadura, Aragon and CataloniaEight provinces are on alert, with particular attention to the Seville countryside, where maximum temperatures could exceed 38°C by midweek.
Other cities such as Madrid, Lleida, Zaragoza, Jaén, Badajoz, and Valladolid are also experiencing exceptionally high temperatures: Highs of 35°C or even higher are expected on Thursday and Friday.Even in the Cantabrian Sea and the northern peninsula, temperatures are pointing much higher than usual, with records exceeding 30°C in some cities.
Are we facing a heat wave?
Many wonder if this episode can be formally classified as heat wave. According to official criteria, to define an episode of these characteristics it is necessary that:
- The temperatures are abnormally high for the time.
- This situation will continue for at least three consecutive days.
- It significantly and extensively affects a large part of the territory.
In this case, although the intensity of the heat is outstanding and the rise is rapid and widespread, Not all strict criteria are met in all regionsThey do occur in some areas of the southern peninsula, such as Seville and Córdoba, where extreme heat is prolonged and affects a large area. However, in other areas, the episode is limited to very hot weather, but not exceptional in terms of duration or territorial extension.
The speed and magnitude of the phenomenon are clearly evident. In Seville, for example, temperatures exceeding 40°C in May have only occurred rarely since official records began. Furthermore, the highs of 35°C in Madrid represent an anomaly of up to 10 degrees compared to the average for this time of year.
Meteorological factors behind the episode
The situation is explained by the combination of a high ridge, subsidence and the arrival of an African air massThe Atlantic anticyclone has spread over the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, bringing clear skies and powerful sunshine to the land surface.
Furthermore, the emergence of warm, dry air from North Africa This has caused temperatures to soar even beyond the levels recorded in May in previous years. These types of atmospheric configurations also favor downward movements that further warm the air and keep temperatures high for several days.
The result is a very dry and warm environment, with nights in many areas beginning to be tropical (they do not fall below 20 °C), especially in Andalusia and Extremadura, although in the north the night-time drops are still more pronounced compared to the southern regions.
Repercussions and advice regarding this episode
Authorities recommend taking extreme precautions to minimize the risks associated with heat. On the hottest days, the following are recommended:
- Hydrate frequently, even before feeling thirsty.
- Avoid sun exposure during the central hours of the day.
- Wear light, breathable clothing, preferably in light colors.
- Stay in cool, ventilated or air-conditioned places.
- Do not engage in strenuous physical exercise outdoors during the hottest hours of the day.
- Pay special attention to children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
The situation is expected to persist at least until early next week in many parts of the country. The weekend is likely to bring some relief in the north, as cooler air masses move in and occasional thunderstorms develop in the northeast.
This episode confirms that extreme temperatures in May, while not yet meeting official heat wave criteria in all regions, are reaching historic levels in many areas, breaking records and triggering health risk warnings. The trend toward higher temperatures in spring indicates that similar events could become increasingly frequent in the near future.