Record-breaking heat threatens Spain as heat dome engulfs Europe

Spanish meteorologists have warned that Tuesday could become the hottest June day ever recorded, as an intense heat dome drives temperatures above 40°C (104°F) across much of the country. Spain's weather agency AEMET has placed nearly the entire nation under heat advisories, with the highest alerts in parts of Andalusia, the Basque Country, and Cantabria, where temperatures could climb to 44°C (111°F). Approximately 17 of Spain's 50 provincial capitals are expected to see temperatures exceed 40°C. Tropical nights, with temperatures not falling below 20°C (68°F), are also expected to be widespread, making it difficult for buildings to cool down.

Heatwave records

AEMET reported that temperatures have remained above 30°C (86°F) overnight in parts of southeastern Spain for three consecutive days—an unprecedented event for June on the Iberian Peninsula. Palma de Mallorca also recorded its hottest June night on record. The extraordinary heatwave is driven by a high-pressure system over continental Europe and a low-pressure system west of the Iberian Peninsula, pushing a mass of very hot, dry air north from the Sahara Desert. Climate change made the extreme heat at least five times more likely, according to the Climate Shift Index.

Broader European impact

Several other European countries have also issued their highest-level heat warnings, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and the UK. The heat dome is expected to produce exceptionally high and persistent temperatures through at least midweek.