Spain's third heatwave pushes temperatures to 44°C before an 8-degree weekend cooldown
Spain's third heatwave of the summer is peaking on 23 July with temperatures near 45°C in parts of the Mediterranean, but a sharp cooldown is forecast for the weekend.
Spain is enduring its third heatwave of the summer, with the Mediterranean coast bearing the brunt of extreme heat and humidity. On 22 July, the thermal sensation exceeded 40°C across much of the Valencian Community and the Balearic Islands, while humidity reached 98% in Formentera and over 90% in Valencia. Nighttime offered no respite, and sea temperatures above 30°C made even a swim unrefreshing.
As soon as you turn off the air conditioning, the heat hits you and you have to turn it back on. Otherwise you don't sleep. It's impossible to sleep in this heat.
Meteorologist Francisco Cacho warned that 23 July would be the worst day, especially in the east. Xàtiva is forecast to jump from 34°C to 43°C, Ontinyent to 44°C, and Murcia to 43°C, with some towns in Alicante, Valencia, and Murcia approaching 45°C. AEMET has activated red alerts, the highest level, across the region, with additional alerts in 11 other autonomous communities.
Tomorrow temperatures will spike even more in the Mediterranean. It may be the worst day, especially in the east.
Relief is on the way. Cacho forecasts a notable drop between Friday and Saturday, with temperatures losing up to 8°C. By the weekend, cities such as Vitoria, Zaragoza, Madrid, and Seville will return to around 30°C.
| Jul 21 | Third heatwave of the summer begins, affecting Mediterranean Spain. |
|---|---|
| Jul 22 | Humidity reaches 98% in Formentera, sea temperature 33°C in Valencia; nights offer no relief. |
| Jul 23 | Peak temperatures: Xàtiva 43°C, Ontinyent 44°C, Murcia 43°C; red alerts active. |
| Jul 24 | Temperatures begin to drop, losing up to 8°C by Saturday. |
| Jul 25 | Weekend temperatures around 30°C in many inland cities. |