Spain is preparing for a dramatic north-south weather divide this week as intense heat builds across Andalucia while cooler polar air pushes temperatures sharply lower across northern regions.

Forecasters expect southern Spain to remain firmly under the influence of hot air flowing from North Africa, while parts of northern Spain experience a noticeable interruption to early summer conditions.

Andalucia Temperatures Could Reach 38C

Temperatures across southern Spain are expected to rise steadily during the coming days, with some parts of Andalucia forecast to approach 38C.

The hottest conditions are expected in the Guadalquivir Valley, particularly west of Cordoba, where persistent sunshine, dry conditions and light winds are likely to combine to push temperatures well above seasonal norms.

Heat is expected to remain widespread across much of southern inland Spain, with prolonged sunshine dominating forecasts.

Polar Air Brings Sharp Cooling Across Northern Spain

At the same time, a colder air mass moving south from northern Europe is expected to bring a significant cooldown across northern Spain between Tuesday and Thursday.

Regions along the Cantabrian coast and communities near the Pyrenees are forecast to experience temperatures several degrees lower than recent days.

Some areas could see temperatures fall by as much as 10C to 12C.

Cities including Bilbao, Santander and Oviedo are forecast to remain around or below 20C during the coolest period.

Cloud Cover and Showers Possible

The cooler air mass may also increase cloud cover across parts of northern Spain.

Forecasters say scattered showers cannot be ruled out in some northern regions, although significant rainfall is currently not expected.

The changing weather pattern highlights the unusually strong contrast developing between Spain’s northern and southern regions this week.

Heat Expected to Remain in Southern Regions

While northern Spain experiences a temporary interruption to summer conditions, forecasts currently suggest the heat will remain firmly established across southern regions.

For much of Andalucia, the bigger concern this week is not cooling temperatures – but how high the mercury could climb.