Spain begins the week with unusually warm weather, the fifth anniversary of the La Palma volcanic eruption, the arrival of a major British digital bank and an international film success in Toronto.

The latest developments also include Sunday's Madrid derby, where Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in LaLiga.

Summer Heat Continues as Autumn Arrives

Spain is set for a distinctly summer-like start to the new season despite the arrival of astronomical autumn on Wednesday, September 23.

The State Meteorological Agency forecasts temperatures above the usual levels for late September across much of the country during the week of September 21 to 27.

From Tuesday, maximum temperatures of 32°C to 34°C are expected across extensive areas, with locally 35°C possible in southern Galicia, the Ebro depression, Extremadura and the Guadalquivir Valley.

AEMET expects generally clear or partly cloudy skies and limited rainfall across much of the country, with the unusually warm pattern potentially continuing through at least Friday, September 25.

The Balearic Islands are also expected to remain warm, with daytime temperatures around the upper 20s to around 30°C in many areas.

Five Years Since the La Palma Eruption

September 19 marked five years since the volcanic eruption began on La Palma.

The Cumbre Vieja eruption started on September 19, 2021, in the area of Cabeza de Vaca in the municipality of El Paso.

The eruption lasted 85 days and ended on December 13, 2021.

Official Canary Islands figures record the temporary evacuation of around 7,000 people. The lava affected approximately 1,218.87 hectares across El Paso, Los Llanos de Aridane and Tazacorte.

The regional government's 2026 budget documentation records the loss of 1,676 buildings in the three municipalities, including 1,345 habitual homes.

Recovery Is Still Continuing

The fifth anniversary has also highlighted the continuing housing and reconstruction work on La Palma.

The Canary Islands Government's 2026 documentation states that people affected by the eruption have continued to receive housing assistance and that some residents remained in temporary accommodation.

The regional government has also continued funding rental assistance for families whose homes were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable by the eruption.

In 2026, additional housing projects remain part of the island's recovery programme, including the acquisition of a building containing 53 homes in Los Llanos de Aridane intended for affected residents.

Monzo Begins Its Spanish Market Entry

British digital bank Monzo has begun its expansion into Spain by opening a waiting list for customers seeking early access.

The bank operates in Spain through Monzo Bank Europe DAC, Sucursal en España, which is registered with the Banco de España.

Monzo's Spanish service is designed to provide residents with a local banking offering, including a Spanish IBAN.

The company's current Spanish website is inviting prospective customers to join its early-access waiting list for personal and business accounts.

Banking Services for Spanish Customers

Monzo says its Spanish accounts will provide standard banking services, including payments, transfers and account management.

Its Spanish help centre also confirms that customers can use identification documents such as the Spanish DNI, EU passports or identity cards and, where applicable, a TIE or passport.

The expansion marks the UK-based bank's latest move into the European market.

La Bola Negra Wins in Toronto

Spain's La Bola Negra, directed by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, won the People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday, September 20.

The Spanish-language film follows the interconnected lives of three gay men across different periods of Spanish history.

Known internationally as The Black Ball, the film was previously recognised at the Cannes Film Festival, where Calvo and Ambrossi jointly received the Best Director award.

The Toronto prize was selected by festival audiences rather than a jury.

Spain's Oscar Submission

La Bola Negra has also been selected as Spain's official submission for the International Feature Film category at the 2027 Academy Awards.

The film's Toronto success adds another major international award to its festival run, although the People's Choice Award does not itself guarantee an Oscar nomination.

The film is scheduled for release in Spanish cinemas on September 26.

Atlético Madrid Win the Madrid Derby

Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Sunday, September 20.

Álex Grimaldo opened the scoring for Atlético from the penalty spot early in the second half before Jonathan David doubled the home side's advantage.

Antonio Rüdiger scored for Real Madrid late in the match, but Atlético held on for the three points.

Real Madrid played the latter stages with 10 men after Dean Huijsen was sent off.

The result moved Atlético into second place in the LaLiga table, while Real Madrid dropped behind their city rivals.

A Busy Week for Spain

Spain is therefore entering the final full week of September with several contrasting developments.

Temperatures remain closer to summer than autumn across much of the country, while La Palma continues its long-term recovery five years after the volcanic disaster.

At the same time, Monzo is preparing its Spanish banking operation and La Bola Negra is attracting international attention following its Toronto victory.

For residents and visitors in the Balearic Islands, the immediate picture is one of continued warm weather as astronomical autumn arrives.