Weather in Spain expected to hit 38C as heatwaves start earlier than ever

Spain is set to face unusually high temperatures this week, with heatwave conditions arriving earlier than expected. The national meteorological agency, AEMET, predicts temperatures of up to 38C in inland and southern areas, including western Andalusia, Extremadura, and parts of Castilla-La Mancha. Cities like Córdoba, Seville, and Mérida will see temperatures of 34C, 35C, and 35C respectively, while Jerez de la Frontera and Cáceres will reach 32C. The north coast will remain cooler, with temperatures around 21C to 23C, while the Mediterranean coast will see highs of 27C to 30C. The heatwave follows one of the rainiest winters in Spain in 50 years, reflecting the extreme weather patterns caused by climate change. AEMET attributes the temperature rise to an anticyclonic ridge, which will bring lightly cloudy skies and stable weather across most of the peninsula and the Balearic Islands. Limited rain is expected only in the extreme north. Nighttime temperatures will also rise significantly in southern and Mediterranean regions, with minimum temperatures higher than in previous days. While stable weather is expected nationwide, AEMET warns of possible showers and storms in the northeast over the next few days. This early heatwave underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Spain, as global emissions continue to drive climate change. The unusual timing, with temperatures typically peaking in July and August, highlights the shifting climate patterns affecting the country.