Spain swelters in first official heatwave of 2026

Madrid is sweltering under the first official heatwave of 2026, with temperatures soaring to 40°C on Sunday, June 21. Tourists and residents alike are struggling to cope with the extreme heat, with many seeking ways to stay cool.

Haily San Cesario, a 22-year-old engineer visiting from Miami, described her strategy: "I'm dressed all in white because it's so hot, and I'm carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go." The state-run weather forecaster, Aemet, has placed 13 of Spain's 17 regions on orange alert, the second-highest level, while the Basque Country faces a red alert.

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I'm dressed all in white because it's so hot, and I'm carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go.

Madrid resident Ana Garces, a 49-year-old social educator, shared her discomfort, stating, "The heat really is exhausting." The heatwave is forecast to persist until Thursday, intensifying concerns about public health, particularly for the elderly.

The severe weather has prompted broader European responses. The head of France's state-owned railway operator advised vulnerable individuals against train travel during the heatwave. This follows a partial alcohol ban implemented in France on Saturday, nationwide warnings in Germany, and the closure of a football fan zone in Spain.

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The heat really is exhausting.