Current context: After a brief spell of significantly lower temperatures, Spain is expecting a sharp burst of heat from Sunday, 13 September 2026. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) and assessments by Meteored , a dry and very warm air mass from the south is moving across the Iberian Peninsula. Daytime highs near 40 degrees are possible in parts of the country; the heat is expected to intensify further at the start of the week and increasingly affect the Canary Islands too.
Context and forecast: Meteorologically, this is a transition from a Vaguada to a cresta africana. Model runs suggest that the highest temperatures will be recorded particularly inland on the Peninsula, including large areas of Andalusia, Castilla-La Mancha and the Ebro basin. Tropical nights cannot be ruled out in some cities. Meteored meteorologist Samuel Biener expects the most pronounced temperatures between Sunday and midweek. In its latest notices, AEMET points to temperatures well above the seasonal average and updates the situation daily.
The first half of September has seen strong variability between cool and hot spells across much of the Peninsula. AEMET had already reported an exceptionally warm summer season in recent weeks; the coming spell fits this pattern of repeated heat episodes. Whether the threshold for an officially defined heatwave is reached depends on the duration, intensity and geographical extent of the anomaly, and is assessed regionally by AEMET.
A fresh incursion of very warm air will increase heat stress, particularly in cities and valleys. During hot spells, health authorities advise particular caution for older people, children and those with pre-existing conditions. Farms and forestry services are preparing for increased evaporation and a rising risk of wildfires. Local infrastructure, such as energy and water supplies, may also come under additional pressure.
Uncertainties and next steps: Short-term disturbances, such as weak frontal systems passing through, may cause local variations. The daily updated warnings from AEMET and regional civil protection authorities are the key reference. Detailed forecasts of high temperatures and possible warning levels for individual provinces will be refined over the coming days.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).