Spain's Heatwave Intensifies — Red Alert in the Basque Country as Temperatures Hit 42°C

The heatwave that began over the weekend continues into Monday with a new flow of warm air from the south. Spain's State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued heat warnings across 15 autonomous communities.

A red level of danger has been declared in the Basque Country, where temperatures of between 40 and 42°C are expected from 1:00 PM. An orange level is in effect in Andalusia, Aragón, the Balearic Islands, Cantabria, Castile and León, Castile-La Mancha, Catalonia, Extremadura, Madrid, Navarre, and La Rioja. A yellow level for heat applies in Asturias, Galicia, and the Valencian Community.

In the valleys of the Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir rivers, temperatures may reach 40°C and locally exceed 42°C. In the inland areas of the Basque Country and Cantabria, around 40°C or above is also expected. In the Valencian Community, forecasters are predicting significantly elevated temperatures in both inland and coastal areas, particularly in the province of Valencia.

Tropical nights with temperatures above 20°C are expected, and in some areas of the south-central region, the south-west, the Ebro valley, the Balearic Islands, and the Mediterranean coast — very hot nights with temperatures above 25°C.

AEMET reports that the heatwave will last at least until Wednesday. On Tuesday, temperatures will barely change — a slight rise is possible in some areas. In the Guadalquivir valley, thermometers may approach 44°C. On Wednesday, a slight drop will begin, primarily in the west of the peninsula, although in the north-east and south of the country maximums will remain in the range of 40–42°C. The agency forecasts a drop in temperatures across the whole country on Thursday 25 June.

Against the backdrop of the extreme heat, thunderstorms are possible in a number of regions. At night, brief showers are expected on the Atlantic coast of Galicia; during the day, thunderstorms with strong wind gusts are forecast in the central areas of the peninsula. On the western Cantabrian coast and in the Pyrenees, severe thunderstorms with hail are possible.