Feeling hot, hot, hot as June temperatures soar in Spain

The Spanish heatwave will surely beckon millions to the beach, so be sure to stay hydrated (and pack sun lotion!)

It shouldn’t really be news that June is hot in Spain, but it is newsworthy to report that the country’s AEMET weather agency is this week issuing a rare weather warning as temperatures are set to soar to close to 40 degrees Celsius in 27 of the country’s 50 provinces…

The warning comes ahead of what is being described as “abnormally high” temperatures set to descend on Spain this week. Madrid is staring at a series of 37c+ days, while Seville in Andalucía is set to hit 42c on Friday, AEMET said.

All along the Costa del Sol, temperatures this week are poised to be 5-10 degrees higher than average, reaching heights not normally seen until late July. This hot spell is set to stick around until Sunday, at which point the temperatures will fall closer to the norm for this year, which for southern Spain is in the high 20s to low 30s.

The hot weather may well be welcomed by holidaymakers, but the incessant sun and heat – while pleasant enough in small doses – can be a force to be reckoned with and may cause sunburn and heatstroke if you’re not careful, while dehydration is a very real issue facing Spaniards and non-Spaniards alike.

The authorities also have to be alert to the heightened threat of forest fires during intense periods of heat. Over the past few years, parts of Spain’s dry inland – including sections of the Costa del Sol – have been impacted by forest fires, prompting the country to step up its efforts to detect and combat forest fires as early as possible.

Tips for cooling off and enjoying the heatwave include seeking shade between the hours of noon and 3pm (a refreshing siesta followed by a delicious bowl of gazpacho will usually work wonders), enjoying a cooling dip at the beach or a swimming pool, and exploring the tight – and mercifully shaded – streets of Old Town Marbella and Seville.