Spain's AEMET Forecast: No Autumn in Sight as Heat Persists 2026

AEMET's forecast for the arrival of autumn in Spain has reached a clear conclusion: autumn is neither here nor expected. The national meteorological agency's latest outlook shows summer-like heat persisting well past the official start of the season, with temperatures soaring above 35°C in parts of the country.

This isn't just a minor delay. It's a significant anomaly that raises questions about seasonal shifts, climate patterns, and what it means for daily life across Spain.

What AEMET's Forecast Actually Says

On September 11, AEMET's official bulletin acknowledged "the greatest uncertainties" for the week ahead. By September 18, the picture had sharpened: the agency described a week that would be "fully summer-like across all of Spain," with temperatures between 32 and 34°C in many areas.

Some regions could even hit 35°C, including southern Galicia, the Ebro Depression, Extremadura, and the Guadalquivir Valley. These aren't isolated spikes—they're part of a broad, sustained pattern.

The numbers back it up. Last Sunday, the national high was recorded in Pontevedra at 36.9°C—a full 13 degrees above its average maximum for September. That's not a typical late-summer warm spell; it's a stark departure from normal.

Why Is It Still So Hot?

The most direct explanation involves clear skies, air of North African origin, and a sea that "remains hotter" than usual. These factors combine to keep temperatures elevated even as the calendar pages turn.

But there's an indirect factor too: the seasonal lag. Spain right now is like a village house—the outside temperature has started to drop, but the walls are still holding August's heat. This lag is a normal phenomenon, but its intensity this year is noteworthy.

According to Meteored, Seville and Córdoba could see 38°C. Even AEMET forecasts 35°C in Zaragoza, Badajoz, and Ourense—all above last month's average.

Key Takeaways from the Forecast

• Autumn's official start on September 23 will feel more like midsummer, with 35°C in the Guadalquivir Valley.
• AEMET's September 18 bulletin describes a "fully summer-like" week across Spain.
• Pontevedra hit 36.9°C on a recent Sunday, 13 degrees above its September average.
• Clear skies, North African air, and unusually warm sea temperatures are driving the heat.
• Seville and Córdoba could reach 38°C, while Zaragoza, Badajoz, and Ourense may see 35°C.

Who Is Affected and How

The heat affects everyone, but some groups are more vulnerable. The elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions face higher risks from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Outdoor workers, from agriculture to construction, also bear the brunt. And with energy demand likely to stay high for cooling, households and businesses may see elevated utility bills.

Tourists and travelers should take note too: the Spain they're experiencing is not the mild autumn they might have packed for.

The Bigger Picture: A Shift in Seasons

This isn't just about one hot week. It's part of a broader pattern of shifting seasons. The meteorological autumn began on September 1, but the weather hasn't gotten the memo. The background to this story is set out in St Bartholomew's Day Weather Lore and Autumn Forecast. A related thread runs through Australia September Heatwave: Hottest Day in Years Forecast. Earlier coverage in Autumn Camping: Embrace the Season of Mellow Fruitfulness shows how the argument developed.

Such anomalies are becoming more common, and they challenge our traditional understanding of seasonal boundaries. The implications range from agriculture to energy planning to public health. A closer look at the same subject appears in Europe Weather Forecast: Rain and Temperature Drop Ahead. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Spain Thunderstorms and Japan Typhoon: Extreme Weather Tracker. The same theme surfaces in Cosy Home Autumn Ideas Without Pumpkin Clichés, which takes a different angle.

For now, AEMET's advice is clear: don't put away the fan just yet. Autumn may be on the calendar, but it's not in the air. Context on how this played out before sits in Balkan Temperature Swings and Heavy Rain in Greece Forecast. A companion piece, Tropical Storm Isaias Forecast to Become First Hurricane, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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