MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain experienced its most intense summer since official records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius during June, July, and August. The national meteorological authority 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 hottest summer on record saw heatwave days stretch over two-thirds of the season, marking a significant climate event.
Statistical data from the State Meteorological Agency reveals that the country experienced an unprecedented 61 heatwave days during the three months, far surpassing the previous high of 41 days in summer 2022. Meteorological analysts have highlighted that all ten of Spain’s hottest summers have occurred in the 21st century, emphasizing an accelerating warming trend across southern Europe.
This extreme heat severely affected public health and infrastructure in both northern and southern parts of the country. The Carlos III Health Institute’s epidemiological mortality data estimates that over 5,000 deaths were directly linked to extreme heat from June to August, the highest total recorded since the agency began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
Meteorological Authority Confirms Record Seasonal Temperatures
Prolonged dry conditions and high temperatures created dire environmental situations across forests and rural agricultural areas. Data from the European Forest Fire Information System shows that approximately 296,000 hectares were burned by wildfires by early September. Spain’s hottest summer on record also saw dwindling regional reservoir levels due to persistent droughts, causing operational issues for irrigation and hydroelectric plants.
Monitoring stations recorded that these extreme thermal conditions extended beyond the usual summer period. On September 2, a station in El Granado in southwestern Spain hit a peak of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national September temperature record. Forecasters confirmed that hot conditions persisted from late May through early September across several autonomous communities.
Over 290,000 Hectares Burned in Summer Wildfires
Following the official findings, government ministers presented the data to parliament to push for stronger environmental policies. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera urged parliamentary groups to back comprehensive laws aimed at climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience strategies.
Meteorological and public health agencies will continue monitoring temperature trends and environmental impacts through autumn. Official reports and environmental data will remain accessible via government portals as authorities assess long-term adaptation measures. Regional agencies are also coordinating resource management plans to lessen ongoing agricultural and ecological impacts.