Mid-September heatwave to push temperatures in Spain up to 40°C
A Saharan ridge will drive a heatwave across Spain from Sunday to Wednesday, with temperatures climbing as high as 40 °C in parts of the mainland and the Canary Islands.
A Saharan weather ridge is set to arrive in Spain on Sunday, bringing a sudden heatwave that will last until at least Wednesday. Experts say the hot air mass will lift temperatures by 8-10 °C above the seasonal average, producing conditions similar to those of mid-July. The most extreme heat is forecast for the Guadalquivir valley in Andalusia and the Guadiana valley in Extremadura, where readings may hit 39-40 °C. Further north, the Ebro and Tajo valleys, the Lleida depression, Bilbao and the Miño valley in Galicia are all expected to see temperatures above 35 °C. Nighttime temperatures will remain unusually warm across the Mediterranean coast, Andalusia and the Canary Islands, creating tropical night conditions. The heat is projected to weaken by Wednesday, potentially allowing autumnal storms to return.
