Spain Braces for Third Summer Heatwave as Aemet Warns of 44°C Temperatures and Red Alerts

Spain is in the grip of a new extreme heatwave, the third since the start of summer, with the national weather agency warning that temperatures could reach 44°C in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The episode, which began this week, has already seen Barcelona record its highest temperature in 112 years, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (Aemet).

"Barcelona recorded its highest temperature in more than a century as a new heatwave swept across Spain, prompting health warnings and raising concerns over prolonged extreme weather."

responsibleus.comBarcelona Records Highest Temperature in 112 Years as Spain Faces Fresh Heatwave

The record came as Aemet warned that the heatwave could become official as the third of the summer, with peaks expected next Tuesday and Wednesday. The agency has activated red alerts for the Barcelona pre-coastal area, the highest level, as temperatures are set to exceed 40°C in many inland and pre-coastal zones across Catalonia.

"Meteocat has extended yellow and orange alerts for intense heat to many regions, and has even activated the red alert, the highest, for the Barcelona pre-coastal area."

Meanwhile, the province of Alicante is bracing for near-40°C temperatures accompanied by Saharan dust haze, just a week after the last extreme episode. Aemet has issued a new alert for haze, noting that the heat will be especially intense in the eastern peninsula. In the Canary Islands, Tenerife is set for a hot and sunny Wednesday with temperatures reaching 30°C, particularly in inland areas.

"Canarias is set for a hot and sunny Wednesday... Aemet predicts a rise in temperatures across the archipelago, especially in inland areas."

Tenerife Weekly NewsTemperatures in Tenerife Set to Reach 30°C This Wednesday, According to Aemet

The heatwave is expected to last at least through July 22, with a risk of increasing storms from Thursday in several communities as the episode evolves. Authorities have urged caution, particularly for vulnerable groups, as the prolonged extreme weather raises health concerns across the country.