Spain is in the middle of a very intense heatwave, with extremely high temperatures affecting most of the country. Many areas have seen several days of hot weather both during the day and at night, and it’s been especially difficult for people in the south and inland regions.

In places like Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, Madrid, and Murcia, temperatures have climbed so high that it’s become dangerous to be outside during the hottest parts of the day. Even at night, in many towns and cities, it’s hard to cool down, with some areas not dropping below 25ºC.

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Weather alerts in place for most of Spain

The Spanish weather agency AEMET has issued heat warnings for 14 regions. Seven of those, including Aragón, Cataluña and the Comunidad Valenciana, are under orange alert due to extreme heat. Local councils are recommending that people stay indoors during the afternoon, use fans or air conditioning if possible, and avoid physical activity in the heat.

People living in coastal areas may feel a bit of sea breeze, but inland regions and valley areas are seeing some of the highest temperatures so far this year. The heat is also affecting sleep, especially in homes without air conditioning.

⚠️ AVISO ESPECIAL | Ola de calor. Última actualización.

→ Un amplio anticiclón y la llegada de una masa de aire cálido desde el norte de África generan condiciones favorables para que se registren temperaturas nocturnas y diurnas muy altas.

+ info 👉https://t.co/BPRdY38dx0 pic.twitter.com/hqYoLtlXLO

— AEMET (@AEMET_Esp) June 28, 2025

So, when will it cool down?

According to AEMET, there could be some relief starting on Monday, June 30, in northern and central parts of the country. This will be a small drop in temperatures, but it may not be enough for people to feel much of a difference just yet.

The more noticeable change is expected around Wednesday, July 2, when a cooler and more humid air mass from the Atlantic is set to arrive through the northwest. This should bring a more comfortable drop in temperatures, especially in the northern half of Spain.

Not everyone will feel the relief right away

While the north may begin to cool down midweek, southern and southwestern areas, such as parts of Andalucía, Extremadura, and Murcia, are likely to stay hot for longer. In these areas, temperatures are expected to remain close to 40ºC for several more days, even after the rest of the country begins to cool off.

Nights in these regions may also remain very warm, which can lead to higher health risks, especially for older people and those with existing health problems.

What to do during the heatwave

Until the heat starts to ease across the whole country, it’s important to stay safe. Try to stay indoors between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol or heavy meals during the day. Wear light clothing, close blinds to block direct sunlight, and use fans or air conditioning if available. If you live in a hotter region, check if your local council has opened any air-conditioned public spaces or cooling shelters.

If you’re feeling dizzy, very tired, or sick from the heat, seek help right away. High temperatures can lead to heatstroke and dehydration, especially for young children and older adults.

A slow end to a strong heatwave

The current heatwave is expected to continue into the first week of July, with small improvements from Monday and more noticeable cooling by Wednesday in some regions. However, for much of southern Spain, the high temperatures may stick around a bit longer.

For now, it’s a case of staying cool, staying informed, and looking after yourself and those around you until things begin to improve.

Is this the new normal?

According to AEMET, this level of heat is not typical for the end of June. While Spain is known for hot summers, experts say these extreme temperatures, especially the combination of very high daytime and nighttime heat, are becoming more frequent and intense. Some believe it’s a clear sign of changing climate patterns. What do you think? Have you noticed a difference in recent years? Is this summer just a one-off, or does it feel like extreme heat is becoming the new normal in your area? Let us know your thoughts.

Main image: X/@AEMET_Esp