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Spain is bracing for the most intense day of the current heatwave this Thursday July 17, with temperatures soaring to dangerous levels across much of the country. The mercury will climb above 40°C in several provinces as the anticyclone and ridge system reaches maximum strength over the country.

 

This marks the culmination of the ‘dog days’ period, traditionally the hottest time of year.

 

Orange heat warnings remain in effect for temperatures exceeding 39-40°C across 13 regions on Thursday, including Zaragoza, La Rioja, Navarra, Madrid, Cuenca, Albacete, Ciudad Real, inland Valencia, Córdoba, Seville, Jaén, Málaga and Granada. Inland Spain and parts of the Canary Islands will experience temperatures between 35-38°C, with some areas pushing well beyond the 40°C threshold.

 

 

In the Mediterranean regions, including inland areas of Murcia and the Valencian Community, temperatures will climb to 39-40°C. Only Galicia, Asturias and parts of western Castilla y León and Extremadura will experience slight temperature decreases as the first signs of change approach.

 

Friday July 18 will bring changes as the oppressive heat begins to ease across much of Spain. A low pressure system arriving from the Atlantic will bring the first significant relief, with temperatures starting to drop across mainland Spain and the Canary Islands. The most substantial decreases will occur in the northern and western regions of the country.

 

 

On the other hand, the weather stability that has dominated recent days will break as a trough enters Galicia from the Atlantic. Light rain is expected in Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and northern Castilla y León during the day. As evening approaches, rainfall could intensify in the Basque Country, Navarra and northern La Rioja, where severe thunderstorms are possible.

 

The weekend proper will begin with a clear north-south weather divide on Saturday July 19. Northern regions will experience light rainfall in Cantabrian areas, while showers develop in the Pyrenees and inland Catalonia.

 

 

Despite the cooling trend in the north, Mediterranean regions will maintain sky-high temperatures due to offshore winds. Valencia, Murcia, inland and eastern Andalucía will continue to experience temperatures between 35-38°C. The Balearic Islands, Ebro Valley, Castilla-La Mancha and inland Catalonia will also remain notably warm.

 

The front will continue moving through Galicia on Sunday July 20, resulting in widespread rain in much of the north.

 

The heat will finally ease across most of the country, though Mediterranean regions will remain exceptionally warm. Areas including Valencia, Murcia, inland and eastern Andalucía, the Balearic Islands, the Ebro Valley, Castilla-La Mancha and inland Catalonia will continue to experience temperatures exceeding 35-38°C.

 

 

While rainfall amounts will generally remain modest, locally strong storms cannot be ruled out, especially during afternoon hours. These storms will primarily affect northern regions, providing little relief to the persistently hot southern and eastern areas.

 

 

Images: Aemet