MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain experienced its hottest summer since official records began in 1961. The average temperature for June, July, and August was 24.5 degrees Celsius. 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 summer’s extreme heat events affected two-thirds of the meteorological season, marking a historic high in Spain.
The State Meteorological Agency published statistics showing the country experienced a record 61 heatwave days during these three months. This total is well above the previous summer record of 41 heatwave days in 2022. Experts note that all ten of Spain’s hottest summers have occurred in the 21st century, highlighting a rapid warming trend across southern Europe.
The intense heat put a heavy toll on public health and municipal services across northern and southern parts of the country. Epidemiological data from the Carlos III Health Institute estimated that over 5,000 deaths were directly linked to extreme heat between June and August. This marks the highest recorded figure since the agency began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
Meteorological Authority Confirms Unprecedented Seasonal Temperature Records
Temperatures also led to severe environmental issues across forests and rural farmlands. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that nearly 296,000 hectares of land were lost to wildfires by early September. The prolonged dry spells drained regional reservoirs, creating major challenges for irrigation and hydroelectric plants.
Monitoring stations recorded that these extreme temperatures extended beyond typical summer boundaries. On September 2, a station in El Granado in southwestern Spain registered a peak of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national September record. Forecasters confirmed that high heat persisted from late May to early September across multiple autonomous communities.
Over 290,000 Hectares Consumed by Summer Wildfires
Following the official meteorological reports, government ministers presented the findings in parliament to push for stronger environmental protections. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera urged lawmakers to back comprehensive policies on climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience.
Meteorological and health agencies will keep monitoring temperature trends and environmental impacts through the fall. Official reports and environmental data will be accessible on government websites. Authorities are also coordinating resource management plans to address ongoing challenges in agriculture and the environment.