Weather experts in Spain are warning of several days of intense heat that will push temperatures up to 12C above average for this time of year.
Over the next few days, much of the Iberian Peninsula will see daytime highs soar past 35C in inland regions.
Areas like Sevilla, Cordoba, and Badajoz will see highs of 41C and possibly higher.
While higher temperatures have been reached this year, the conditions for a heatwave were not met – chiefly, at least three days of widespread, uninterrupted episodes of extreme heat.
According to experts at El Tiempo, the evenings this week won’t bring much relief either. Residents are being warned to expect stifling, tropical nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C – and in some places, not even below 25C.
Cities in Andalucia and Extremadura are bracing for torrid nights, making sleep elusive and air conditioners essential.
The heat is due to a dominating atmospheric ridge, parked over Spain, locking in heat and sunshine.
This weather pattern, paired with long June days, is heating the air mass like a lid on a boiling pot.
Yellow warnings are in place for regions ranging from Galicia and Aragon to Madrid and Murcia, where highs will hover between 36C and 39C.
An orange alert is set for Tuesday in parts of Badajoz, Sevilla, and Cordoba, where conditions could turn extreme.
