MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain experienced its hottest summer since official records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius over June, July, and August. Official data from the national meteorological authority confirmed that this season’s temperatures exceeded the previous record set in 2025 by 0.3 degrees Celsius and surpassed the 1991–2020 climate baseline by 2.4 degrees Celsius. The hottest summer on record saw prolonged heatwaves affecting two-thirds of the summer period.
According to figures from the State Meteorological Agency, the country recorded an unprecedented 61 heatwave days during these three months. This far exceeds the previous high of 41 heatwave days during summer 2022. Analysts highlight that all ten of Spain’s hottest summers have occurred in the 21st century, illustrating an accelerating warming trend across southern Europe.
The intense heat severely affected public health and infrastructure in northern and southern regions. Epidemiological data from the Carlos III Health Institute estimated over 5,000 deaths directly linked to extreme heat from June to August. This marks the highest total recorded since the institute began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
State Meteorological Agency Confirms Record Highs for Seasonal Temperatures
High temperatures also led to severe environmental damage in national forests and rural farmland. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows around 296,000 hectares burned by wildfires through early September. Prolonged dry spells drained regional reservoirs, creating operational difficulties for agriculture irrigation and hydroelectric plants, exacerbating the impact of the heatwave.
Atmospheric monitoring stations recorded that extreme thermal conditions extended beyond the usual summer months. On September 2, a station in El Granado in southwestern Spain registered a peak of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national September temperature record. Forecasters confirmed that high heat persisted from late May into early September across various autonomous communities.
Over 290,000 Hectares of Land Burned in Summer Wildfires
Following these findings, government ministers presented the data to parliament, urging support for expanded environmental protection initiatives. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera appealed to parliamentary groups to endorse comprehensive legislation on climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience.
Meteorological agencies and public health institutions will continue monitoring temperature patterns and environmental impacts throughout the autumn. Official statistics and environmental data will remain available through government portals as authorities assess long-term adaptation strategies. Regional agencies are also coordinating resource management to mitigate ongoing agricultural and ecological challenges.