Overview
- Catalonia's meteorological service activated its first high‑temperature warning of the year on Wednesday as models signalled a sharp rise in temperatures starting this weekend.
- The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) says a heat wave is 'probable' for Saturday–Sunday with heat described as very intense and running well above seasonal norms by 5–10°C in many places.
- Operational forecasts show the episode likely beginning around Sunday and lasting at least until Tuesday, with models leaving open the possibility it could extend further.
- Forecasters expect widespread daytime highs over 35°C, local exceedances above 40°C and tropical nights above 20°C in parts of the south, centre, northeast and the Balearic Islands and urge extra protection for the elderly, children and outdoor workers.
- AEMET places the risk in a clear climate context, noting Spain has warmed about 1.75°C since 1961 and that recent warm years and record hot days make intense early‑summer heat more likely even though a strong May event did not meet Spain's technical heat‑wave definition.