Spain’s first official heatwave of the summer has arrived, with the state weather agency AEMET warning that the current spell of extreme temperatures will last until at least Tuesday 7 July and could continue even longer.
The hottest conditions are forecast across Alicante province on Monday and Tuesday, bringing temperatures close to 40°C inland, sticky coastal humidity and another run of sleepless tropical nights.
AEMET confirms first official heatwave
Although the most extreme temperatures will affect southwest Spain, the Ebro Valley and parts of the northeast, the Valencian Community will also see a sharp rise over the next few days.
According to AEMET, a strong ridge of high pressure, a high-level isolated depression (DANA) west of the Iberian Peninsula, intense July sunshine and very light winds are combining to drive the heatwave.
As a result, a strong ridge of high pressure is trapping hot, dry air over much of the country, allowing temperatures to rise day after day with very little overnight relief.
Furthermore, AEMET has warned that the prolonged heat will increase health risks for vulnerable people while raising the danger of wildfires across large parts of Spain.
Emergency services issue heat and wildfire warning
Following AEMET’s declaration, the Valencian Emergency Coordination Centre has issued its own alert, warning councils and emergency services that exceptionally high temperatures will spread across the region from Monday.
Authorities believe the combination of intense daytime heat and exceptionally warm nights will trigger widespread extreme heat alerts over the coming days.
At the same time, a high wildfire risk remains across the Valencian Community. Officials warn conditions could deteriorate further if the current weather pattern persists.
Therefore, officials are urging residents to look after older people, young children and anyone with chronic health conditions. They should also avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
Heat dome, not Saharan dust
Despite claims circulating in recent days, climatologists at the University of Alicante say this heatwave is not being caused by Saharan air.
Instead, they explain that the hot air has an Atlantic origin and a powerful upper ridge of high pressure is trapping it.
As the air slowly sinks, it becomes compressed and heats up even further, creating what meteorologists call a heat dome.
Consequently, temperatures continue rising over several days, often producing some of the hottest and longest-lasting spells of summer weather.
Inland areas face the highest temperatures
Forecasters expect the most intense heat away from the coast.
Towns including Vall d’Alcalà, Pego, Parcent and Benidoleig could record highs of between 38°C and 40°C on Monday and Tuesday.
Meanwhile, coastal locations such as Jávea, Benissa, Gata de Gorgos and Els Poblets should remain slightly cooler, with temperatures generally between 33°C and 36°C thanks to the Mediterranean.
However, the sea will also increase humidity, making conditions feel considerably hotter than the actual air temperature.
Tropical nights bring little relief
Unfortunately, the heat will not disappear after sunset.
Forecasters expect many coastal areas to remain above 25°C overnight, meeting the definition of a torrid night and making sleep difficult for many people.
Although afternoon sea breezes should develop, forecasters say they may be too weak on some days to provide much cooling.
Monday expected to be the hottest day
Current forecasts suggest Monday 6 July will bring the peak of the heatwave across the Costa Blanca, with temperatures remaining very high on Tuesday before gradually easing later in the week.
However, forecasters say there is still some uncertainty over how quickly conditions will improve, as much depends on the movement of the DANA currently positioned west of the Iberian Peninsula.
