Spain is in the grip of a major heatwave in summer 2026, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 47C in some parts of the country as UK tourists on holiday in Spain are warned to take precautions against the ‘brutal’ heat
Spain is currently experiencing an intense heatwave(Image: xavierarnau via Getty Images)
Spain is currently in the grip of an intense, official heatwave. The country’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued strict weather warnings as its third significant heatwave of the summer builds across the Iberian Peninsula. The extreme weather event officially commenced on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, and is predicted to reach its peak on Thursday, 23 July 2026. Some respite is anticipated from Friday (24 July) onwards, with milder weekend conditions expected.
Temperatures are forecast to locally hit or surpass 44C to 45C (and possibly reach 47C) across southern and southeastern mainland Spain. A comprehensive network of weather warnings has been issued nationwide. Red Alerts (extreme danger) remain in force for the worst-affected areas in Andalusia and Extremadura, while Orange Alerts blanket major regions including Madrid, Aragon, Catalonia, and Castile-La Mancha.
The heatwave is being fuelled by an enormous “heat dome” drawing dry, scorching air straight from the Sahara Desert. This has triggered a severe Calima (Saharan dust storm), producing murky skies, locking in elevated temperatures overnight (“tropical nights”), and substantially degrading local air quality.
TikTok user Leanne, from Belfast, recently documented her experience in the sweltering conditions during her holiday to Majorca.
The DJ, who has amassed more than 19,000 followers, informed them in a video: “So, if you’re coming to Majorca on holiday in the next few days, you might be thinking, ‘What’s the weather like?’.
“We arrived on Monday and the last two days were really overcast, but very, very warm. It’s 8:35pm and it’s 34C.”
Leanne, who was perched on her hotel balcony at the time, explained she was beside the sea, yet even with the coastal breeze, it’s “still boiling”.
Nevertheless, she pointed out that all the hotels have excellent air conditioning, so you can always retreat indoors if you’re concerned about the outdoor temperatures being too intense.
She also revealed that she’s been “drinking loads of iced cocktails” to help stay refreshed.
Leanne continued: “So yeah, if you’re coming out in the next few days, be prepared – it is hot – but you can cool down, and enjoy your holiday.”
Other holidaymakers currently in Spain confessed they were finding the heat challenging in the comments section.
One person posted: “We are here now too and never felt anything like it! The strawberry daiquiris are medicinal at this point.”
While another shared: “I left on Sunday, it was so hot we were in Alcudia and there was no air. Was 34C but feels like 41C. Could only wear factor 50.”
A third remarked: “Got back from Cala Bona yesterday, the humidity has been brutal.”
With parched and scorching conditions taking hold, authorities have issued urgent warnings about an extreme risk of wildfires, with blazes already breaking out in areas including Zaragoza and Guadalajara.
Safety guidance for tourists and locals
Health officials are strongly urging people to take immediate steps to protect themselves:
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours (12pm to 5pm).
- Drink plenty of water continuously to avoid heat exhaustion.
- Shelter in air-conditioned public spaces or indoor cultural venues during peak heat hours.