Unprecedented Early Heatwave in Southern Europe
This week marks a significant meteorological shift as a powerful subtropical air mass from the Sahara sweeps across the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco, heralding the onset of the first major heatwave of the season. Following a notably cool mid-May period in France and parts of Western Europe, temperatures are set to soar dramatically across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Severe Temperature Increases Ahead
Between Tuesday and Thursday, temperatures in Southern Spain, Portugal, and Morocco are expected to reach disturbing highs, frequently ranging from 35°C to 40°C, and peaking at around 42°C in the interior regions of Morocco. Cities like Seville, Cordoba, and Marrakech will witness exceptionally high temperatures that exceed typical thresholds for this time of year. The intensity of this heatwave, arriving just in the second half of May, is noteworthy and climatically unprecedented, especially given that April 2026 was recorded as the hottest since AEMET's records began in 1961.
While this heatwave is unlikely to reach the extreme levels observed during historic summer heatwaves in the region, where temperatures often exceed 43°C to 45°C, it remains exceptional for mid-May, considering its geographic extent and the temperature anomalies anticipated. Forecasts suggest temperatures could be 10°C to 15°C above seasonal norms. This early heatwave draws parallels to similar extreme weather events, such as those in April 2023, where Cordoba recorded a staggering 38.8°C and Marrakech exceeded 41°C.
As reported by actualite.lachainemeteo.com.
