The Costa Blanca has barely emerged from its second heatwave of the summer, but forecasters are already warning that another spell of extreme heat could be on the way.
According to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), there is a high probability that another very hot episode will develop during the week beginning 13 July, potentially bringing the country’s third official heatwave of the summer.
If forecasts prove accurate, Spain will continue a pattern of repeated heatwaves interrupted by only brief periods of cooler weather.
A brief respite before temperatures rise again
Temperatures should ease slightly over the weekend as an Atlantic trough and an upper-level low-pressure system (DANA) move across the Iberian Peninsula.
As a result, much of the Costa Blanca can expect slightly cooler conditions, increased cloud cover and the chance of a few light showers. Even so, temperatures will remain above average for mid-July, so the relief is likely to be limited.
Another heatwave could arrive next week
Forecast models indicate that high pressure will strengthen once again over the western Mediterranean during the second half of July. Consequently, another very warm air mass could spread across much of Spain.
Weather experts say a combination of a strong high-pressure ridge, hot air moving north from North Africa and unusually warm Mediterranean Sea temperatures could send temperatures climbing sharply again, particularly across eastern and southeastern Spain.
In addition, the new hot spell may bring Saharan dust and haze, reducing air quality while increasing humidity and making conditions feel even more uncomfortable along the coast.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent
Meteorologist José Miguel Viñas has described the recent trend as “heatwave trains”, where one spell of extreme heat quickly follows another after only a short break.
Instead of isolated events, these episodes are becoming an increasingly familiar feature of Spanish summers. After a brief dip in temperatures, another surge of intense heat often arrives within days.
Meanwhile, warm nights continue to cause concern. Tropical nights, when temperatures remain above 20C, and torrid nights, when they stay above 25C, are becoming more frequent. As a result, many people struggle to cool down overnight, making it harder to recover from prolonged daytime heat.
Forecasters continue to monitor the situation
Although AEMET has not yet officially declared another heatwave, forecasters will continue monitoring conditions over the coming days. If current weather models hold, large parts of Spain, including the Costa Blanca, could once again face a prolonged period of intense summer heat next week.
