Despite the calendar turning to early autumn in September, severe summer-like heat continues to grip the Iberian Peninsula, including much of Spain. While early September typically brings signs of autumn cooling, central and southern inland regions are currently experiencing an intense, unseasonable heatwave, with temperatures reaching 35°C to around 40°C across wide areas, including the capital, Madrid.
Meteorological Factors: The Mechanism of the "Heat Dome"
One of the primary drivers behind this extreme heat is a persistent, large-scale Heat Dome lingering over the region.
- Atmospheric "Lid" Trapping Heat: A heat dome occurs when a strong upper-level high-pressure system acts like a giant lid over the atmosphere, trapping warm air near the surface over a prolonged period.
- Subsidence and Adiabatic Heating: Strong downdrafts within the dome cause sinking air to compress (adiabatic compression), generating additional heat and driving surface temperatures sharply higher.
- Inflow of Subtropical Warm Air from North Africa: Influenced by the expansive high-pressure system, exceptionally hot, dry air from North Africa has been channeled directly into the Iberian Peninsula, amplifying the extreme conditions.
10-Year September METAR Observations at Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD) (2016–2025)
According to historical METAR observation records from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD):
- Highest September Temperature in Past 10 Years: 40.0°C (recorded in 2016)
- 10-Year Average of September Extreme Maximum Temperatures: 35.2°C
- 10-Year Average of September Extreme Minimum Temperatures: 8.5°C
Today's Temperature Forecast for LEMD/MAD Airport (08:00 to 24:00 Local Time)
| ICAO | IATA | UTC Time | Local Time | Forecast Temp (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 06:00Z | 2026-09-04 08:00 | 19 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 07:00Z | 2026-09-04 09:00 | 21 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 08:00Z | 2026-09-04 10:00 | 24 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 09:00Z | 2026-09-04 11:00 | 28 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 10:00Z | 2026-09-04 12:00 | 31 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 11:00Z | 2026-09-04 13:00 | 34 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 12:00Z | 2026-09-04 14:00 | 36 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 13:00Z | 2026-09-04 15:00 | 37 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 14:00Z | 2026-09-04 16:00 | 38 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 15:00Z | 2026-09-04 17:00 | 38 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 16:00Z | 2026-09-04 18:00 | 38 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 17:00Z | 2026-09-04 19:00 | 38 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 18:00Z | 2026-09-04 20:00 | 36 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 19:00Z | 2026-09-04 21:00 | 35 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 20:00Z | 2026-09-04 22:00 | 33 |
| LEMD | MAD | 2026-09-04 21:00Z | 2026-09-04 23:00 | 31 |
Weekend Temperature Outlook for LEMD/MAD Airport
- September 5: High 36°C / Low 22°C
- September 6: High 35°C / Low 22°C
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