Spain Bracing for 38–40°C This Week — AEMET Warns of Record May Temperatures in 30 Years

Spain's state meteorological agency AEMET has warned of a peak in temperatures in the second half of the week — daytime highs could reach 36–38°C, with some areas approaching 40°C.

In the Valencian Community, maximum temperatures on Friday could reach 36°C.

AEMET warns that temperatures this week will set records for this time of year in parts of Spain not seen in the past 30 years.

The heat is being driven by what is known as a heat dome — a phenomenon in which air in the lower layers of the atmosphere heats up as it becomes "trapped" beneath an area of high pressure. In this case, warm air from North Africa is being locked in under a high-pressure system over Europe. As the air descends, it is compressed and heats up further, which is why the heat persists for so long and does not ease even at night.

Temperatures are breaking records elsewhere in Europe too: on Monday, France and the United Kingdom recorded the hottest May day in their respective histories.

In France, the heat will last at least through the end of the week, with temperatures of 33–36°C. In the United Kingdom, temperatures are expected to ease slightly: the Met Office is forecasting 27°C on Friday and 28°C on Saturday.