MADRID / RankWire.AI / – Mainland Spain experienced its hottest summer since official records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius across June, July, and August. Official data released by the national meteorological authority confirmed that seasonal temperatures surpassed the previous record established in 2025 by 0.3 degrees Celsius and exceeded the 1991–2020 climate baseline by 2.4 degrees Celsius. The record summer was marked by prolonged heatwaves that affected two-thirds of the meteorological season.
Data published by the State Meteorological Agency reveal that the country experienced an unprecedented total of 61 heatwave days over the three months. This figure far exceeds the previous record of 41 heatwave days during the summer of 2022. Meteorologists emphasize 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 extreme heat had serious repercussions on public health and infrastructure in both northern and southern regions. Epidemiological data from the Carlos III Health Institute estimate that over 5,000 deaths between June and August were directly linked to extreme heat exposure. This is the highest total recorded since the health monitoring agency began standardized heat-related mortality tracking in 2015.
State Meteorological Agency Reports Record High Seasonal Temperatures
High temperatures also created dire environmental conditions across national forests and rural agricultural zones. The European Forest Fire Information System reports that approximately 296,000 hectares of land were destroyed by wildfires through early September. The prolonged dry spells caused by the heat depleted regional reservoirs, complicating operations for irrigation systems and hydroelectric plants.
Atmospheric monitoring stations recorded that exceptional thermal conditions extended beyond typical summer months. On September 2, a station in El Granado, in the southwestern part of Spain, registered a peak temperature of 45.7 degrees Celsius, tying the national record for September’s highest temperature. Weather experts confirmed that elevated heat persisted from late May into early September across numerous autonomous communities.
Over 290,000 Hectares Burned in Summer Wildfires
In response to these official meteorological findings, government ministers presented the data to parliament, urging for expanded measures to protect the environment. Minister for the Ecological Transition Teresa Ribera appealed to parliamentary groups to back comprehensive laws focusing on climate adaptation, emergency infrastructure, and drought resilience strategies.
Meteorological agencies and health institutions will continue monitoring temperature patterns and environmental impacts during the autumn. Official statistical reports and environmental data will remain accessible through government portals as authorities assess long-term adaptation strategies. Regional agencies are also coordinating resource management plans to mitigate ongoing agricultural and ecological challenges.