A powerful mass of hot air moving north from Africa is set to trigger an intense heatwave across Spain and France, with temperatures expected to soar above 40°C in several regions and potentially reach 45°C in the hottest areas.
The heatwave is forecast to begin this weekend and continue through Tuesday, June 23, coinciding with the start of the summer season. Meteorologists warn that the event could become one of the most significant early-summer heat episodes in recent years.
According to climate monitoring service Copernicus, temperatures will begin rising sharply across western and central Europe before spreading further across the continent. Spain is expected to be among the hardest-hit countries, while large parts of France will also experience exceptionally high temperatures.
African Heat Plume Driving Extreme Conditions
The heatwave is being fuelled by a ridge of warm, dry air moving northward from Africa. By Saturday, temperatures are expected to rise noticeably across Spain, with Sunday bringing even more intense heat.
Forecasts indicate that temperatures could reach 38°C in Galicia and along the Cantabrian coast. In major river basins including the Ebro, Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir, thermometers may climb to around 40°C.
Experts say the unusually hot conditions are remarkable given that summer has only just begun. Many parts of Spain have already experienced prolonged periods of above-average temperatures in recent weeks.
Peak Heat Expected Early Next Week
Meteorological forecasts suggest that Monday and Tuesday will be the most challenging days of the heatwave. Night-time temperatures are expected to remain above 25°C in many areas, providing little relief from the daytime heat.
In northern Spain, temperatures could be 10°C to 15°C higher than normal for this time of year, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the event. Such large temperature anomalies are rarely observed in the region during late June.
Meteorologist José Antonio Maldonado warned that the worst conditions have yet to arrive. Speaking on Spanish radio station COPE, he said temperatures would continue rising through the first half of next week and could approach 45°C in some locations.
Storm Risk Accompanies Extreme Heat
While scorching temperatures will dominate much of the forecast period, weather experts have also warned of the possibility of severe storms developing in certain regions. The combination of intense heat and atmospheric instability could create conditions favourable for powerful thunderstorms.
Forecasters expect the heatwave to gradually weaken after Tuesday, June 23. However, temperatures are likely to remain above seasonal averages for the remainder of the week, meaning much of Spain and parts of France could continue experiencing uncomfortable heat even after the peak of the event has passed.
Authorities are expected to monitor conditions closely and may issue health advisories, particularly for vulnerable groups such as older adults, children and people with existing medical conditions.