As Spain stands on the brink of the astronomical start of summer on June 21, 2025, the country is already grappling with a heatwave that is setting the tone for what experts predict will be a hotter-than-average season. The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued multiple alerts across the country, warning residents of extreme heat, storms, and unstable weather conditions that are expected to persist through the weekend.
On June 20, 2025, AEMET activated orange alerts—the second-highest warning level—for extreme heat in four autonomous communities: Andalusia, Aragón, Catalonia, and Extremadura. Temperatures in these regions are forecast to soar close to 40°C, with some areas potentially reaching 40°C or higher. In Andalusia, provinces like Córdoba, Jaén, and Sevilla are expected to bear the brunt of the heat, while Aragón's southern Huesca and Zaragoza's Ribera del Ebro, Catalonia's Lleida and Tarragona, and Extremadura's Badajoz and Cáceres are also facing intense temperatures.
The heatwave is not confined to these areas alone. AEMET's forecasts indicate that much of the southern half of the Iberian Peninsula and the northeast will experience temperatures exceeding 34-36°C. The northern plateau, parts of the Cantabrian coast, and the Balearic Islands will also see elevated temperatures. Even the northern Canary Islands and the Strait are expected to experience strong winds that may increase the perceived heat, intensifying the discomfort for residents and visitors alike.
Adding complexity to the situation, the weather is forecast to become increasingly unstable as the day progresses. While the morning will bring stable, anticyclonic conditions with mostly clear skies or minimal cloud cover, the afternoon is expected to usher in abundant cloud development. This will trigger showers and thunderstorms across wide swaths of the peninsular interior, particularly in mountainous regions of the center and north, as well as the interiors of the eastern third and the far north of Spain. Some of these storms could be locally strong and may bring heavy downpours, hail, and gusty winds.
AEMET warns that these storms, while potentially intense, will not alleviate the extreme heat. Instead, they will accompany the high temperatures, creating a challenging mix of weather conditions. The combination of heat and storms is particularly notable in Andalusia, where the heatwave is expected to coincide with possible thunderstorms, complicating the risk scenario.
Beyond these four communities under orange alert, eleven other autonomous communities are under yellow alert for either high temperatures or storms. These include provinces across Castilla y León, Castilla-La Mancha, Galicia, the Basque Country, Valencia, and others. In total, 40 provinces are on some form of weather alert, underscoring the widespread nature of this heatwave and associated weather events.
The Basque Government has extended its yellow alert for very high temperatures in Euskadi until Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Department of Security has activated warnings for persistent heat in coastal and inland Cantabrian areas, with temperatures expected to reach up to 35°C in the Ebro axis and 33°C in the inland Cantabrian zone. The alert will continue throughout Saturday, with temperatures forecast to remain high, particularly in exposed areas like the Ebro axis and transition zones.
Despite some slight decreases in maximum temperatures expected in parts of Huelva and northern Galicia, the heat will persist across most of Spain due to a stationary subtropical ridge. This meteorological feature is responsible for maintaining the elevated temperatures and the overall stable, hot conditions.
As the country braces for these conditions, authorities have issued important recommendations to mitigate the health risks associated with extreme heat. Residents are advised to avoid sun exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, and take precautions against heat-related illnesses. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds in some areas, and the possibility of sudden storms calls for vigilance and preparedness.
Seville and Córdoba are expected to be the hottest provincial capitals on June 20, with maximum temperatures predicted to reach 40°C. Other cities like Zaragoza, Tarragona, and Badajoz are also forecast to experience temperatures near this threshold. The northeastern depressions and southern Atlantic zones are highlighted as the areas with the most extreme heat.
Meanwhile, the weather outlook for the coming days suggests that this pattern of heat and instability will continue. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the warmest on record, with AEMET's spokesperson Rubén del Campo indicating that the July-September period is expected to rank among the top 20% of warmest trimesters ever recorded in Spain. He noted, however, that this level of heat is becoming "almost the new normal," reflecting broader trends linked to climate change.
In the face of these challenges, local governments and meteorological services are ramping up their communication efforts to keep the public informed. Alerts and warnings are being updated regularly, with a keen focus on vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.
While the heat may be oppressive, the arrival of summer officially on June 21 brings with it the promise of longer days and the traditional joys of the season. Yet, this year's summer will demand a new level of respect for the power of nature and the importance of adaptation.
In summary, Spain on June 20, 2025, faces a formidable combination of extreme heat and stormy weather, with multiple regions under orange and yellow alerts. Temperatures nearing 40°C in key provinces, the presence of strong winds, and afternoon thunderstorms create a complex and challenging environment. As the country welcomes summer, the message is clear: stay cool, stay safe, and stay informed.
