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After a short break from the worst of the summer heat, Spain is once again turning up the temperature. High pressure is settling over the country this week, bringing plenty of sunshine, soaring daytime temperatures and a growing number of heat alerts.

 

While the hottest conditions will be concentrated inland, many coastal areas can also expect uncomfortable nights as tropical temperatures make sleeping difficult.

 

The week begins with settled weather across almost all of Spain, with sunny or only lightly cloudy skies dominating the forecast.

 

The only exceptions will be parts of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and the Strait of Gibraltar, where some early cloud and the odd isolated shower are possible before conditions quickly improve.

 

Temperatures will climb across much of the country, particularly in Galicia and mountainous inland areas. The hottest spots will once again be the Guadalquivir and Guadiana valleys, where highs of around 40ºC are expected.

 

Orange heat alerts are in force in parts of Galicia, while Andalucía has yellow warning for both high temperatures and strong winds.

 

The heat intensifies on Tuesday as sunshine dominates almost the entire country.

 

Morning cloud and patches of mist are possible along parts of the Cantabrian coast, Galicia and the Strait of Gibraltar, but these should clear quickly. Hazy skies are also expected to develop over southern Spain as Saharan dust drifts in.

 

Temperatures will continue rising across most of the country, with many inland areas expected to reach 36ºC or higher. Southern and southwestern Spain could once again top 40ºC, while the Ebro Valley is expected to come close.

 

Another uncomfortable night is forecast for Mediterranean and southwestern regions, where overnight temperatures will struggle to fall below 20ºC.

 

Orange alerts have been issued in parts of Andalucía, Castilla-La Mancha, Extremadura, Galicia and the Basque Country as the heat spreads.

 

Wednesday looks set to be the hottest day of the week for many areas.

 

Sunny skies will continue almost everywhere, although low cloud may linger along the Galician and Asturian coasts. Saharan dust will remain over southern Spain and parts of the eastern Canary Islands.

 

Maximum temperatures will rise again across eastern Spain, while western Galicia should become slightly cooler. Large areas of inland Spain are expected to see temperatures between 36ºC and 38ºC, with some parts of the Basque Country, the Ebro Valley and southern Spain reaching 38ºC to 40ºC. In the hottest river valleys, temperatures could once again exceed 40ºC.

 

Tropical nights will continue along the Mediterranean coast and throughout much of southwestern Spain.

 

Weather warnings are expected to remain in force across several regions as the heat peaks.

 

Although some welcome relief will arrive in northern and western Spain, much of the country will remain firmly in the grip of the heat.

 

Most areas will enjoy another day of sunshine, with only some low cloud along the Cantabrian coast. Hazy conditions will continue in the southeast and parts of the Canary Islands.

 

Temperatures will fall noticeably across northern and western Spain, especially along the eastern Cantabrian coast. However, inland areas of eastern and southern Spain will remain exceptionally hot, with widespread highs of 35ºC to 38ºC. The hottest inland areas could still reach 40ºC, particularly in the southern river valleys and the Ebro Valley.

 

At present, no official weather warnings have been issued for Thursday, although forecasts may still change over the coming days.

 

For more weather news go to our Weather & Climate page or follow the Spain Weather Watch Facebook group for regular updates

 

Images: Aemet