Summer in Spain is becoming warmer and lasting longer

• In Andalusia, a record temperature of 47.4 degrees was measured in Montoro (Córdoba).
• In Aragon, the thermometer reached 43.2 degrees in Zaragoza (Aragon).
• In Castilla-La Mancha, a peak of 45.6 degrees was recorded in Tempelique (Toledo).
• In the Canary Islands, usually a cool haven in summer, the temperature rose to 40.2 degrees in Lanzarote.

In addition to the high temperatures, the duration of the warm summer was also striking. In many areas the extreme heat lasted for 2 to 3 weeks at a time, which is very unusual for Spanish summers.

• In Andalusia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha, temperatures were measured above 40 degrees for 17 consecutive days.
• The heat wave lasted 14 days in the Balearic Islands and Catalonia.
• Even in northern Spain, where summers are usually milder, there were periods of more than 10 days with temperatures above 35 degrees.

Now that we’ve looked at the facts, it’s time to investigate the causes of this extreme heat. The main reason is undoubtedly ongoing climate change. Global warming is increasing the frequency and intensity of heat waves around the world, and Spain is no exception.

Given the dramatic consequences of the summer of 2022, it is important to look to the future. What can we expect from next summer in Spain? Unfortunately, all indications are that summers in Spain will only get more extreme in the future. Climate models predict a further increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves.

• According to estimates, there is a 70-100% chance that the summer of 2024 will be warmer than usual in Spain again.
• The chance of temperatures falling into the top 20% of the warmest summers on record is estimated at 50-70%.
• Severe drought is also likely to occur more often, with all the consequences for water supplies and ecosystems.