Spain’s Directorate-General for Civil Protection and Emergencies (DGPCE) warned on 27 July that a powerful anticyclone will push temperatures above 42 °C in large parts of Andalusia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha from Wednesday 29 July. The agency has activated its national heat-wave plan at level 2 (orange), triggering mandatory rest-break protocols for outdoor workers and allowing regional governments to restrict heavy-vehicle traffic during peak heat hours. For mobility planners the key impact is on road and rail. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) may impose speed limits on segments of the A-4 and A-66 if asphalt temperatures exceed 55 °C, while Renfe has already announced that AVE high-speed services could operate under ‘heat slow orders’, adding up to 20 minutes on Madrid-Seville journeys. Airlines do not expect runway closures, but ground-handling companies at Madrid and Málaga plan to shorten ramp shifts to avoid heat stress. Companies moving staff or equipment across Spain this week should review contingency plans. Some provinces will convert sports halls into cooling centres; hotel availability could tighten as regional authorities pre-book blocks of rooms for vulnerable populations. Tour operators are rescheduling excursions to early morning slots, and rental-car firms are warning of higher breakdown risks. The alert also emphasises documentation: drivers of buses and heavy goods vehicles must carry a ‘declaration of responsible circulation’ during any temporary restrictions. Non-compliance can result in on-the-spot fines of up to €500 and forced 24-hour rest periods. Civil Protection will review the situation on Friday, but meteorologists say a downgrade before Sunday is unlikely. From an immigration standpoint, police stations have discretion to reschedule Foreigners’ Identity Card appointments if waiting rooms exceed 32 °C. Applicants should monitor local notices and allow extra time when travelling to biometric enrolment centres.
