The relentless heatwave gripping Spain is set to peak over the next two days, with the Spanish Meteorological Agency (Aemet) anticipating some of the highest temperatures recorded this year. Already, Seville has shattered records by surpassing 40°C in May, marking only the third occurrence of such extreme heat in this month since records began. Other areas in the Guadalquivir Valley are nearing similar highs, while regions in the Guadiana Valley have exceeded 38°C. Meanwhile, torrid nights, where temperatures don't drop below 35°C, are becoming common in the southern half of the country.

This Friday has issued alerts across 14 regions, with warnings for heat and storms affecting most areas except the Canary Islands, Murcia, and the Balearic Islands. Heat warnings are most severe in Andalusia with an orange alert, while a yellow alert is in place for several other regions. Storm warnings are issued with varying degrees of severity across the northern and eastern parts of the country.

According to Rubén del Campo, Aemet's spokesperson, the unseasonably intense heat will persist throughout the weekend across much of Spain. While cooler weather is expected in the Cantabrian region, the rest of the country will experience temperatures more typical of midsummer. Strong storms are also likely to develop in the peninsula's interior.

Looking ahead to next week, temperatures are expected to gradually decrease, although Monday will remain hot, particularly in the east, center, and south of the Peninsula, as well as in the Balearic Islands. By Tuesday and Wednesday, cooler weather will prevail, but a resurgence of heat is anticipated by Thursday, with temperatures likely to exceed 34°C or 35°C in many areas.

Friday's forecast predicts temperatures exceeding 34°C to 35°C in many regions, with the potential for 38°C in Zaragoza and over 40°C in the Guadalquivir Valley. Strong storms may develop in the interior regions, particularly in mountainous areas.

Saturday will begin with temperatures above 20°C in the east and south. While the Cantabrian coast will see some relief, the rest of the country will continue to experience intense and atypical heat for May, with temperatures 5°C to 10°C above normal, and in some areas up to 15°C higher.

By Sunday, temperatures in the Cantabrian region will continue to drop, remaining around 20°C to 22°C, though the rest of Spain will endure heat similar to previous days, with temperatures again reaching up to 38°C or 40°C in the main valleys.

Monday will see a significant temperature drop in the interior of the northern half and the western peninsula, with decreases of 6°C to 8°C. However, high temperatures will persist in the Ebro Valley and parts of the center and south.

Tuesday will bring noticeable cooling mainly to the western peninsula, but the eastern third and the Balearic Islands might see a heat resurgence, with temperatures surpassing 35°C in some regions. Cloudy skies and rain are expected in the Cantabrian area, and storms may develop in northern interior areas.

By Wednesday, temperatures will be more typical for the season across most of the country, although the heat is expected to return by Thursday, with temperatures again exceeding 35°C in many regions.

In the Canary Islands, a haze will obscure skies, with temperatures reaching 30°C to 32°C over the weekend, especially in southern-facing areas. The return of trade winds by Monday or Tuesday will bring cooler, cloudy weather to the northern parts of the islands.