Spain is experiencing an extraordinary start to the summer. According to the Spanish weather agency AEMET, the first half of summer 2026 was the hottest on record. From the Mediterranean coast to inland areas, unusually high temperatures, several heatwaves and prolonged periods of extreme heat have led to new temperature records.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
by Marlon Gallego Bosbach
For millions of people in Spain, the extreme heat represents an increasing burden. The regions most affected are those that already regularly experience high summer temperatures – including the Mediterranean coast, Andalusia and parts of the inland areas.
Average temperature reaches historic level
Between 1 June and 15 July 2026, the average temperature on mainland Spain reached 24.5 degrees Celsius. This was significantly above the average recorded during the reference period from 1991 to 2020.
The temperature was around 3.3 degrees Celsius above the long-term average. According to AEMET, almost every day during this period recorded temperatures above the levels normally expected for this time of year.
This set a new record: never before, since weather records began in 1961, has the first half of summer in Spain been so hot.
Two heatwaves already at the start of summer
The exceptional heat was mainly caused by two intense heatwaves that hit Spain early in the summer.
The heatwave at the end of June was particularly significant, causing numerous temperature records to be broken. Average daytime and nighttime temperatures reached levels rarely observed for this time of year.
A particular concern is the occurrence of so-called tropical nights. During these periods, temperatures no longer fall below 20 degrees Celsius, even overnight. For the human body, this means significantly less recovery, as the cooling effect that normally provides relief during the night is missing.
Record temperatures also in previously less affected regions
The extreme heat was not limited to the traditionally hot regions in the south of Spain. Areas that normally experience a more moderate summer climate were also affected by unusually high temperatures.
For example, Barcelona recorded a new temperature record. The city registered temperatures of more than 40 degrees Celsius – an exceptional level for a coastal region that normally benefits more strongly from the cooling influence of the Mediterranean.
Unusually high temperatures were also recorded in northern Spain. In Cantabria, temperatures reached levels among the highest ever recorded in the region.
The current heatwave shows that extreme temperatures are increasingly affecting the entire country.
Mediterranean region under particular pressure
Spain’s Mediterranean region is among the areas particularly affected by rising temperatures. Cities such as Valencia, Alicante, Murcia, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca are increasingly having to prepare for longer and more intense periods of heat.
Normally, the sea breeze provides natural cooling along the coast. However, recent research shows that this important climate phenomenon may also be weakening. A decline in the strength of the sea breeze could further increase the strain during periods of extreme heat.
Urban areas with dense development are particularly vulnerable. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat, preventing temperatures from cooling down sufficiently at night.
Climate change intensifies extreme weather events
Scientists link this development to the ongoing effects of climate change. The Mediterranean region has long been considered one of the areas in Europe that is particularly vulnerable to global warming.
Rising average temperatures are causing heatwaves to occur more frequently, last longer and become more intense. At the same time, dry soils and parched vegetation increase the risk of wildfires.
Spain has already been experiencing an increasing frequency of extreme weather events for several years. Record-breaking heat, prolonged periods of drought and water shortages have now become some of the country’s biggest challenges.
Consequences for people, agriculture and nature
The exceptional temperatures have numerous consequences:
For the population, the heat primarily means an increased health risk. Older people, children and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Agriculture is also facing major challenges. High temperatures and a lack of water can affect harvests and significantly increase the need for irrigation.
In addition, the risk of wildfires is increasing. The combination of extreme heat, drought and severely dried-out vegetation creates ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly.
Spain faces increasingly hotter summers
The new temperature record is another sign that Spain’s climate is undergoing lasting changes. Weather conditions that were once considered exceptional are now occurring with increasing frequency.
The hottest first half of summer since records began shows that summers in the Mediterranean region are increasingly being shaped by extreme heat. For Spain, this represents a growing challenge – in everyday life, in urban areas and in efforts to protect against the impacts of climate change.
