MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain recorded its hottest summer since official data collection began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius during June, July, and August. Official figures from the national meteorological agency confirmed that seasonal temperatures exceeded the 2025 record by 0.3 degrees Celsius and surpassed the 1991–2020 climate baseline by 2.4 degrees Celsius. The country experienced its hottest summer on record, with extreme heat waves affecting two-thirds of the summer period.
The State Meteorological Agency reported a total of 61 heatwave days over the three months, a figure significantly higher than the previous high of 41 days set in the summer of 2022. Analysts emphasized that all ten of Spain’s hottest summers have occurred in the 21st century, highlighting an accelerating long-term warming trend across southern Europe.
The intense heat severely affected public health and infrastructure in both northern and southern regions. The Carlos III Health Institute’s epidemiological mortality data estimated over 5,000 deaths were directly linked to extreme heat between June and August, marking the highest total since the agency began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
Spain Records Its Warmest Summer as Heatwave Days Hit 61
High temperatures also caused severe environmental damage across forests and rural agricultural areas. According to the European Forest Fire Information System, approximately 296,000 hectares of land were consumed by wildfires through early September. Prolonged dry conditions depleted reservoirs, complicating irrigation and hydroelectric operations, further stressing regional ecosystems.
Meteorological stations recorded that extreme thermal conditions extended beyond typical summer months. On September 2, a station in El Granado, in southwestern Spain, registered a peak temperature of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national September record. Forecasters confirmed that high heat persisted from late May into early September across multiple autonomous communities.
Climate Data Points to Rapid Warming Trends in the 21st Century
Following the release of official meteorological data, government ministers presented the findings in parliament, urging increased environmental protections. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera called on lawmakers to back comprehensive legislation focused on climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience strategies.
Agencies monitoring weather and public health will continue tracking temperature trends and environmental impacts through autumn. Official statistics and environmental data will remain accessible via government portals as authorities evaluate long-term adaptation measures. Regional agencies are also coordinating resource management efforts to mitigate ongoing effects on agriculture and ecosystems.