Spain is preparing to endure its third heatwave of the summer starting Tuesday, with temperatures expected to soar above 40 degrees Celsius across much of the country, according to the national meteorological agency AEMET. This latest surge in heat will be driven by a stable high-pressure system that is trapping hot, dry air from North Africa over the Iberian Peninsula, resulting in sustained and intensified heat conditions.

The agency forecasts that temperatures will climb steadily through Thursday, which is anticipated to mark the peak of the heatwave. In some isolated areas, temperatures could exceed 45 degrees Celsius. AEMET has issued warnings highlighting the increased risk during midday hours, particularly for outdoor activities and vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with preexisting health conditions.

This impending heatwave comes after two previous extreme heat episodes earlier in the season—one in late June, noted for shattering temperature records across Europe, and another in early July. Spain's mainland has recorded its hottest first half of summer since weather records began in 1961, with average temperatures from June 1 to July 15 reaching 24.5 degrees Celsius. This is 3.3 degrees above the 1991-2020 average of 21.2 degrees Celsius.

Experts attribute the increasing frequency, duration, and severity of heatwaves across the region to human-induced climate change. These elevated temperatures contribute to the drying of vegetation, which in turn heightens the risk of wildfires.

Spain has recently experienced the devastating consequences of such fires. A major wildfire in the southeastern province of Almeria earlier this month claimed 13 lives, marking the deadliest wildfire in recent memory for the country. Authorities and emergency services remain on high alert as the country braces for the incoming heatwave and its associated risks.