Spain’s second heatwave of the summer officially comes to an end today, but a third may already be on the way.

According to meteorologists at Meteored, another heat dome is heading to Spain from Africa next week, ushering in another episode of extreme temperatures.

It is also likely to be accompanied by Saharan dust clouds, known as ‘calima’, potentially turning the sky a hazy brown or red in some areas.

Before then, there will be some welcome relief over the weekend, with temperatures falling back from the exceptional highs recorded between July 5 and 9.

The respite is likely to be short-lived, as forecast models suggest the powerful new ‘heat dome’ could develop over eastern Spain and the western Mediterranean during the week of July 13 to 19.

The phenomenon would see a strong high-pressure ridge trap hot air flowing north from the Sahara, allowing temperatures to build rapidly over Spain and the Balearics.

According to current ECMWF forecasts, the upper-level ridge could reach near-record strength for the time of year, with exceptionally warm air extending through the atmosphere and down to the surface.

Forecasters say this new event would be different from the heatwave now ending.

While the current episode has been largely driven by heat building over the eastern Atlantic and western Iberia, next week’s potential heat dome would be fuelled primarily by very hot African air masses moving across the Mediterranean.

Adding to concerns is the unusually warm western Mediterranean Sea, where sea surface temperatures are already well above average following weeks of persistent sunshine and calm weather.

A warmer sea can increase humidity levels, making conditions feel even more oppressive, particularly overnight.

Weather models also indicate African dust could accompany the incoming hot air, bringing hazy skies and so-called calima to southeastern Spain, the eastern mainland and the Balearic Islands.

The heat dome is expected to affect the eastern half of Andalucia, plus Murcia, the Costa Blanca and the eastern half of the peninsula.

Although some afternoon thunderstorms remain possible in parts of the country, forecasters warn that another prolonged spell of extreme heat would significantly increase the risk of wildfires across already parched landscapes.

Meteorologists caution that there is still some uncertainty over the strength and exact positioning of the developing heat dome, meaning it is too early to confirm whether Spain will officially enter a third heatwave next week.

However, current forecasts suggest the potential for another period of exceptionally high temperatures is increasing.