MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain faced its most scorching summer since the beginning of official records in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius over June, July, and August. Data published by 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 ever as extreme heat episodes covered two-thirds of the meteorological summer period.
According to data from the State Meteorological Agency, a record-breaking total of 61 heatwave days was registered during these three months. This figure greatly surpasses the previous record of 41 heatwave days set in summer 2022. Analysts highlighted that all ten of Spain’s hottest summers have occurred in the 21st century, pointing to an accelerating long-term warming trend across southern Europe.
The severe heat put immense pressure on public health and infrastructure across both northern and southern regions. The Carlos III Health Institute’s epidemiological mortality data estimates that over 5,000 deaths between June and August were directly linked to extreme heat. This is the highest total recorded since the health monitoring agency began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
State Meteorological Agency Confirms Record-High Seasonal Temperatures
High temperatures also caused severe environmental damage across Spain’s forest reserves and rural agricultural areas. The European Forest Fire Information System reports that around 296,000 hectares were burned by wildfires through early September. The prolonged dry spells led to depleted regional reservoirs, complicating water supply for agriculture and hydroelectric power generation.
Atmospheric stations noted that exceptional heat extended beyond usual summer months. On September 2, a station in El Granado, in southwestern Spain, measured a peak of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national September temperature record. Meteorologists confirmed that elevated heat persisted from late May into early September across multiple autonomous communities.
Over 290,000 Hectares Burned by Summer Wildfires
Following the release of the meteorological data, government officials presented the findings to parliament, advocating for expanded measures to protect the environment. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera urged parliamentary groups to back comprehensive laws focusing on climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience strategies.
Meteorological and public health agencies will continue monitoring temperature patterns and environmental impacts throughout autumn. Official reports and environmental data will remain accessible via government portals as health authorities assess long-term adaptation options. Regional authorities continue coordinating resource management efforts to mitigate ongoing challenges to agriculture and ecosystems.