Spain is holding on to summer weather longer than usual, with highs climbing well above average for mid-September. In some parts of the southwest, temperatures could approach 40ºC. Cities like Badajoz, Sevilla, Córdoba, and Toledo may see highs between 38 and 40ºC, while inland cities such as Madrid, Valladolid, Zaragoza, and Logroño could reach around 35ºC. Even eastern Cantabrian areas will feel unusually warm, with highs around 30–32ºC. In the Canary Islands, the western islands may hit 34–36ºC, with some dust in the air making it feel even hotter.

Hottest Day Expected Thursday

Forecasters say Thursday, September 18, will likely be the peak of the heatwave. Valleys such as the Tajo, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir could reach nearly 40ºC, while other regions continue to see unusually warm weather. Nighttime temperatures are also higher than normal. In the Mediterranean and southwest, lows may stay above 20ºC, making warm evenings the norm for the next few days.

What Residents Are Feeling

The heat isn’t just a number on a thermometer. Mary, an Irish resident living in Murcia, said, “I know people will say this is just the weather this time of year, but it feels much more humid. It’s so humid the ground is damp, even the bedding is damp!”

In Alicante, Juan added, “It is also worrying as the longer it stays hot and humid like this, usually means the storm that arrives after this weather is stronger.” These comments highlight how unusual and uncomfortable the current conditions are for both Spanish people and the international residents.

What’s Causing This Heat?

According to Aemet, the main driver is a stable weather pattern over Spain. A high-pressure system and a warm air mass are blocking cooler Atlantic winds, allowing temperatures to rise above typical September levels. This means sunny, dry, and very warm conditions for most of the country.

When Will Autumn Arrive?

There’s some relief in sight. By Friday, cooler air from the Atlantic is expected to push into northern Spain and parts of the south. Over the weekend, much of western Spain should see noticeable drops in temperatures, finally bringing milder, more autumn-like weather.

Spain may still feel like summer this week, but autumn is slowly on its way, just a little later than usual.

Main image: Shutterstock/divanov

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