By Minener News Desk | Published: May 28, 2025
Spain is facing one of its earliest and most extreme heatwaves on record, with daytime highs reaching 40°C and tropical nights sweeping across much of the country.
The Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued warnings about an “extraordinary heat episode” affecting the country from May 29 to June 1, 2025. Daytime temperatures are expected to reach up to 40°C, while nighttime lows will stay above 20°C, officially classifying them as tropical nights.
According to AEMET’s bulletin on X (formerly Twitter), the temperature spike is being driven by a combination of clear skies, intense solar radiation, and the arrival of a warm, dry air mass from North Africa. This phenomenon will cause temperatures to rise 6 to 10 degrees above average in many areas, especially in river valleys and inland regions.
Wednesday already saw eight Spanish provinces under heat alerts, with the Seville countryside exceeding 38°C and temperatures in Lleida and Tarragona approaching 36°C. By Thursday and Friday, the heat will intensify, especially in Andalusia, Extremadura, and the Ebro Valley.
Seville Could Hit 40°C in May
Rubén del Campo, spokesperson for AEMET, noted that only two other times since 1951 has Seville hit 40°C in May: in 2015 and 2022. “It’s an exceptionally rare event for this time of year,” he stated, emphasizing the unusual nature of this early-season spike.
Forecasts predict 32°C+ in the Northern Plateau, 34–36°C in central and northeastern regions, and highs exceeding 38°C in Badajoz and Córdoba. The Guadalquivir Valley could see highs up to 40°C. Meanwhile, Bilbao is expected to reach 30°C on Friday, while nearby coastal cities like Santander and San Sebastián will remain under 25°C due to maritime influence.
Climate Implications and Atmospheric Stability
This extreme heat comes amid continued warnings from climatologists about the increasing frequency and intensity of weather anomalies due to climate change. The current episode, marked by high atmospheric stability and scarce rainfall, offers little respite.
Though isolated showers are expected in mountainous areas and parts of northern Spain later in the week, the overall forecast remains dry and stable. Tropical nights—when temperatures don’t drop below 20°C—are expected to spread across Andalusia and Extremadura by Thursday.
With such early and intense heatwaves becoming more frequent, Spain’s energy grid, agriculture, and water management systems may face mounting pressure—calling into question the region’s preparedness and resilience in the face of a warming planet.
Further reading: Spain Just Hit 38°C in May—What’s Behind the Shocking Heatwave?