**Spain and Portugal Brace for Scorching Heatwave with Night Temperatures Stubbornly High**
The Iberian Peninsula is on high alert this week as Spain and Portugal prepare to endure an intense and unseasonable heatwave, according to the latest updates from meteorological authorities including the UK’s Met Office and Spain’s Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET). Forecasters are warning that some areas could see daytime temperatures soar above 40°C, with overnight lows offering little relief, hovering around a sweltering 25°C.
The most severe effects are expected to be felt in southern Spain, particularly in iconic cities such as Seville and Cordoba. These cities are predicted to be at the epicentre of the high temperatures, with forecasts indicating that the mercury could reach as high as 41°C between 29th May and 1st June. While a marginal dip in the heat is anticipated at the start of the following week, the episode stands out as exceptionally hot for this time of year, where average temperatures would typically linger nearer 28°C for this region.
This extreme weather is arriving at a worrying time, with Spain already grappling with ongoing water shortages and a history of devastating wildfires fuelled by previous heatwaves. Indeed, in recent years, southern parts of the country have been repeatedly scorched by fast-moving blazes, resulting in environmental and economic strain.
As a result of the forecast, AEMET has issued heat warnings for several key locations, including Seville, Cordoba, Lleida, Tarragona and the Valle del Guadalquivir. In addition to the high temperatures, there are also alerts for potential storms on Friday 30th May, affecting both the north and south of the country. This unstable weather pattern presents a complex challenge for local authorities, who must be vigilant not only for heat-related incidents but also for sudden changes brought by thunderstorms.
A closer look at the regional forecast for Andalusia highlights mostly clear conditions, with the possibility of some cloud cover developing in mountainous areas during the day. Temperatures are expected to remain more stable along the Mediterranean coastline, but inland areas will see a marked increase. Winds are predicted to be light and variable, intensifying slightly along the coast, particularly near Almería and the Strait of Gibraltar, where stronger gusts cannot be ruled out.
Spanish meteorologists have traced the origins of this oppressive heatwave to a powerful anticyclone over the Azores. This high-pressure system is sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, drawing in hot, dry air from Africa. As a result, regions such as Andalusia and the central peninsula will experience not only soaring temperatures but also dusty conditions, reducing air quality further.
For those in Seville, the next four days will be especially challenging, as temperatures are set to peak at 38°C and UV levels climb to 10, which falls into the category of “very high” on the Met Office scale. Health authorities are advising the public to take precautions, recommending that people avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 3pm, stay well-hydrated, and seek shade wherever possible to minimise the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Humidity levels are forecast to reach around 40% in the mornings, dropping as the day progresses, which can also increase the discomfort level and the health risks particularly for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions.
Even after sunset, the heat is likely to linger, with overnight lows stubbornly refusing to dip below 25°C. The lack of a meaningful nighttime cooldown could pose additional health risks, as the body has less opportunity to recover from the daytime extremes.
As the Iberian Peninsula faces these harsh weather conditions, citizens and visitors alike are being encouraged to stay informed and heed official warnings. The combination of high temperatures, low water reserves, and an increased risk of wildfires necessitates heightened vigilance from all those living in or travelling through Spain and Portugal during this period.