The State Meteorological Agency has issued a special warning ahead of a new heatwave that will affect the Community of Madrid from Tuesday, July 21, with temperatures that could reach 45 degrees.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has launched a special warning for the arrival of a new heatwave that will hit the Community of Madrid hard from next Tuesday, July 21. This episode, the third of the summer, is expected to bring exceptionally high temperatures for at least three days, with maximums that could exceed 45 degrees in some areas.
The meteorological agency explains that the thermal rise has already begun this weekend and will intensify in the coming days due to the entry of a very warm and dry air mass from North Africa, accompanied by suspended dust. This situation, favoured by an atmospheric blocking pattern and the presence of a cold drop to the west of the Peninsula, will hinder the arrival of cooler air.
The highest temperatures are expected on Thursday
According to AEMET, on Monday the maximums will already reach very high values, although it will not officially be part of the heatwave. In the Community of Madrid, thermometers could range between 38 and 40 degrees in the capital and in the Henares Corridor, while in the southern metropolitan areas, such as Getafe or Leganés, temperatures could approach 41 degrees.
On Tuesday 21, the heatwave episode will begin, with maximums exceeding 40 degrees in large areas of the region. In the Tagus Valley, especially in municipalities like Aranjuez or Ciempozuelos, temperatures are expected to be between 41 and 43 degrees, and could locally exceed 44 degrees.
The situation will worsen on Wednesday and, especially, on Thursday 23, which AEMET marks as the most critical day. On that day, thermometers could reach between 42 and 44 degrees in the southeastern area of the Community, with isolated values exceeding 45 degrees in areas like Villarejo de Salvanés or Chinchón.
“We recommend taking extreme precautions during the central hours of the day, reducing sun exposure and staying well hydrated, paying special attention to the elderly, children, and people with chronic illnesses,” warns AEMET in its statement.
Tropical nights and fire risk
The intense daytime heat will be accompanied by very warm nights, with temperatures not dropping below 25 degrees in the capital and in the major cities of the region, such as Alcalá de Henares, Móstoles, or Fuenlabrada. This will make it difficult to rest, especially in urban areas, where the heat island effect further raises the minimums.
AEMET has also warned that the risk of forest fires will be at extreme levels throughout the week. The combination of high temperatures, low humidity, and the possible occurrence of dry storms in the Sierra de Guadarrama and Sierra Norte could lead to rapidly spreading fires.
Residents of municipalities like Cercedilla, Navacerrada, or Rascafría should take extra precautions and avoid any activities that could generate sparks, such as barbecues or the use of agricultural machinery.
How long will the heat last?
Looking ahead to Friday 24, AEMET forecasts a widespread decrease in temperatures, although uncertainty is high and it cannot be ruled out that the heatwave may extend beyond Thursday. Meteorological models suggest that thermal relief will arrive gradually, with maximums returning to below 35 degrees over the weekend.
In the meantime, residents of Madrid will have to cope with this third episode of extreme heat of the summer. The city council has already activated the emergency protocol for high temperatures, which includes the opening of air-conditioned day centres for the elderly and the distribution of water at strategic points in the city.
For the coming days, the recommendation is clear: avoid going outside between 14:00 and 18:00, wear light clothing, drink plenty of water, and not leave anyone inside parked vehicles. In case of heat stroke, symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or reddened skin require immediate medical attention.
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