Spain Experiences Unprecedented Heatwaves as Trends Intensify
Spain reports a significant rise in heatwaves and extreme temperatures, marking climate trends in the 21st century.
Key Points
- • Spain has experienced 90 heatwaves in the 21st century, more than double the previous era.
- • Heatwaves are significantly longer, with the longest lasting 26 consecutive days in 2015.
- • From 2000 to 2024, extreme heat days increased to 474 from 212 previously.
- • June 2025 recorded the hottest June in Spain's history, averaging 23.7 °C.
Spain has encountered an alarming increase in heatwaves during the 21st century, facing a total of 90 such events since the year 2000. According to data from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet), this figure represents more than double the number of heatwaves recorded between 1975 and 1999. Furthermore, the duration of these heatwaves has notably extended, with the longest recorded heatwave lasting 26 consecutive days back in 2015.
From 2000 to 2024, Spain has reported 474 extreme heat days, compared to merely 212 heat days from 1975 to 1999. This sharp rise signifies an increase of over 50%. Aemet spokesperson José Ángel Núñez highlighted that the measurement of days within heatwaves provides a clearer indication of the trend than frequency alone. The geographical impact of these heatwaves is also expanding, affecting more provinces that previously experienced these extreme weather events infrequently.
The summer of 2022 saw the most intense and widespread heatwave on record, spanning from July 9 to 26, lasting for 18 days and engulfing 44 provinces. During this period, average temperatures peaked with anomalies reaching as high as 4.5 °C, and certain regions recorded temperatures exceeding 45 °C, specifically in the Tajo, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir valleys. The summer of 2015 marked another significant heatwave with maximum temperatures reaching 37.6 °C.
Moreover, June 2025 set a new record as the hottest June in Spain's history, with an average temperature of 23.7 °C, surpassing historical averages by 3.6 °C. Reflecting on future trends, Núñez warned that the likelihood of experiencing cool days during the summer months will diminish significantly compared to the previous century, although isolated cooler days may still occur.