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Spain's fourth heatwave of the summer is entering its most intense phase, with forecasters warning temperatures could reach 43°C in some parts of the country before any relief arrives next week.

 

The latest forecasts suggest the scorching conditions, which began on Wednesday, will last until at least Sunday August 2, with much of the country continuing to bake under clear skies and persistent high pressure.

 

 

The worst of the heat will be felt across the southwest, the Ebro Valley, the northeast and parts of the Canary Islands, where temperatures are expected to soar well above the seasonal average. In some areas, the mercury could climb as much as 8 to 10°C above normal for the time of year.

 

Thursday July 30 is expected to bring another day of extreme heat, with many inland areas topping 40°C. Forecasters say the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys are likely to record the highest temperatures, with peaks of 42°C, while isolated hotspots could edge closer to 43°C.

 

 

The pattern changes very little on Friday July 31. Temperatures will dip slightly across parts of northern Spain, but the far south and the Canary Islands are expected to become even hotter. Much of inland southern Spain will remain between 39°C and 41°C, while the Ebro Valley is forecast to stay close to 40°C.

 

 

The intense heat will continue on Saturday, the first day of August, with highs of 37°C to 39°C across large parts of the interior and the Balearic Islands. Inland areas of southern Spain are once again expected to reach 39°C to 41°C, while the Ebro Valley and northeastern depressions could climb to around 40°C.

 

 

By Sunday August 2, there will still be little sign of relief. Temperatures are expected to remain exceptionally high across much of the country and could even rise again in parts of the Ebro Valley and northern Spain. Forecasters say some northeastern inland areas may once again exceed 40°C, while southern Gran Canaria could also see temperatures approaching 40°C.

 

There is some hope on the horizon, however. Current forecasts suggest cooler Atlantic air could begin moving into Spain from Monday August 3, bringing temperatures down and signalling the end of what has been another relentless spell of summer heat.