Spain is experiencing an episode of extreme heat unprecedented since 1950, according to data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). Initially scheduled to last six days, projections now indicate that it could extend up to sixteen consecutive days, with temperatures 10 to 15 degrees above the seasonal average.
AEMET points out that this heat wave will continue at least until the October long weekend, when a storm is expected to arrive to alleviate the situation. The storm will introduce rain and a drop in temperatures, mainly in the northwestern regions of the peninsula.
In this sense, as of Thursday, October 12, an Atlantic front could begin to affect the peninsula, starting in the west of Galicia and progressively extending to Cantabrian communities and west of Castilla y León. However, this relief could be temporary, as temperatures could rise again in the east and south of the territory.
The main culprit for this exceptional heat wave is a persistent anticyclone that has dominated meteorological conditions in Spain. This high pressure system has acted as a barrier that has kept atmospheric disturbances at bay, resulting in skies that remain mostly clear and barely cloudy. This condition has maintained temperatures that AEMET describes as “typical of the end of August.”
Looking ahead to the weekend, no significant changes are expected. The anticyclone will continue to be the dominant weather feature, which will maintain high temperatures in most of the peninsula. Galicia will be the exception, where the arrival of an Atlantic front could bring a slight variation in the weather.
For the Canary Islands, the projections are not encouraging. Despite possible greater cloud cover, temperatures are expected to remain high, close to 35 degrees Celsius. On the other hand, the Balearic Islands could experience a drop in temperatures, although they would not be affected by rain.
