Spain Issues Heat and Storm Warnings Across Eleven Regions

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued weather alerts for eleven autonomous communities and the city of Melilla this Sunday, as the country experiences a transition from intense heat to localized storm activity. While the extreme heatwaves that dominated July are beginning to ease, high temperatures remain a concern in several areas, with orange-level warnings—indicating significant risk—active in Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, and the Canary Islands. In Andalusia, temperatures are expected to reach 39°C in provinces such as Málaga, Córdoba, and Jaén. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands face particularly high heat, with Gran Canaria under an orange alert for temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C, alongside wind warnings. The weather pattern is shifting, however, as cooler Atlantic air moves in to replace the stagnant hot air masses that have persisted for weeks. This atmospheric change is bringing a new set of risks, specifically heavy thunderstorms, hail, and strong wind gusts in the eastern third of the peninsula. Regions like Catalonia and Aragon are under yellow alerts for these storm conditions, which are expected to develop during the afternoon hours. Residents are advised to stay hydrated, limit sun exposure during peak hours, and follow guidance from local civil protection authorities. As the country moves into the first week of August, the meteorological focus is shifting from persistent heat to managing the impact of these sudden, localized weather events.