Spain Just Hit 38°C in May—What’s Behind the Shocking Heatwave?

Published: May 27, 2025 | By: Minener Climate Desk

Spain is entering a phase of unusually intense heat for late May, following a few weeks of unseasonably cool and stormy weather. According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency AEMET, a mass of extremely warm air is pushing temperatures far above seasonal averages, potentially setting new national records for the month of May.

On Monday, several locations in Andalusia exceeded 35°C — the first such instance this year. Among them, Seville’s Tablada station reported 36.5°C, while Carmona and Córdoba Airport also posted highs above 35°C. The situation is expected to intensify on Tuesday, with temperatures possibly reaching 38°C in the Guadalquivir Valley.

In contrast, cities in northern Spain such as A Coruña, San Sebastián, and Santander are forecast to remain relatively cool, with highs near 20°C. However, the nationwide heat trend is expected to continue throughout the week, especially in the southern half of the country.

Anticyclonic Conditions Dominate

High pressure is reinforcing clear skies and dry weather across most of the Iberian Peninsula. Morning fog may appear in some northern inland valleys, but sunshine and calm conditions will persist. Only a few isolated showers are expected in the Pyrenees and eastern mountain regions during the afternoon.

Subtropical Air Mass Raises Alarm

By Wednesday, a subtropical air mass will begin influencing Spanish weather, pushing daytime highs 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above historical norms for late May. Tropical nights — when temperatures do not fall below 20°C — will begin to appear in inland Andalusia and along parts of the Mediterranean coast.

Forecasts suggest the north-central plateau will see highs exceeding 32°C, with 36–38°C expected across the central, southern, and northeastern regions. Cities like Badajoz and Seville may flirt with 40°C, a rare milestone for this time of year. Historical data indicates this level has only been reached twice before in May — in 2015 and 2022.

Thursday to Saturday: Peak of the Heat Episode

Thursday will continue the trend with rising temperatures, particularly in northern Spain. Early mornings in Andalusia and Extremadura will already feel tropical. Friday and Saturday are projected to be the hottest days of the event, with Badajoz, Córdoba, and Seville potentially peaking at 40°C.

Even cities in the north like Bilbao may hit 30°C, while others in the Cantabrian region such as Santander and San Sebastián will stay milder, below 25°C. The eastern peninsula and Balearic Islands will also see sharp increases in temperature.

Climate Signals and Broader Implications

This abrupt and extreme shift in weather underscores growing concerns over climate instability in southern Europe. Meteorologists and climate experts view these early heatwaves as indicators of a broader warming trend, one that challenges infrastructure, water resources, and public health readiness across the Mediterranean.

According to AEMET press releases, episodes like this — once anomalies — are now expected to become increasingly frequent due to climate change. Cities across Spain are being urged to adapt their preparedness plans for earlier and more intense summer heatwaves.