This summer in Spain was recorded as the hottest summer in the country's history. The average temperature over the past three months reached ۲۴.۵ degrees Celsius, which is ۰.۳ degrees higher than the previous record in ۲۰۲۵ and ۲.۴ degrees more than the reference period from ۱۹۹۱ to ۲۰۲۰. These conditions have been severely exacerbated by heatwaves and climate change resulting from human activities.
Heat Records and Associated Risks
According to published reports, the ۱۰ hottest summers in Spain's history all belong to the ۲۱st century. This year, the number of heatwave days reached an unprecedented record, surpassing ۴۱ days in ۲۰۲۲. This heat was not limited to summer, with high temperatures also recorded in late May and early September. For example, on September ۲, the El Granado area in southwestern Spain recorded a temperature of ۴۵.۷ degrees Celsius, setting a temperature record for this month.
Social and Economic Impacts
This heat has been accompanied by an increase in heat-related deaths across Europe, with estimates indicating over ۵,۰۰۰ cases recorded in Spain alone from June to August. This statistic marks a new record since the beginning of data collection in ۲۰۱۵. Additionally, the heat created ideal conditions for wildfires, affecting vast areas of Spain's land. In late July, a major wildfire occurred near Madrid, resulting in the evacuation of tens of thousands and being recognized as the largest wildfire in Spain's recent history.
As of September ۲, according to the European Forest Fire Information System, nearly ۲۹۶,۰۰۰ hectares of land in Spain have been destroyed by wildfires. This situation has not only harmed the daily lives of millions but has also disrupted the economy through drought and reduced river water levels.
