Spain registered its joint-highest September temperature on Thursday, with the mercury hitting 45.7°C in the southwestern town of El Granado, according to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The reading equals the national September record set in Montoro in 2016, both towns lying in the southern region of Andalusia.
The figure also marks the hottest temperature recorded in Spain so far this year, as a late-summer heat dome pushes thermometers above 40°C across much of the country's south and west. The unseasonable warmth follows a summer of repeated heatwaves across Europe, which scientists attribute to human-driven climate change intensifying and prolonging such events.
Accelerating warming
AEMET reported on Thursday that Spain experienced its warmest January-to-August period since records began, with a "clear difference" compared with the next four warmest such periods, all of which occurred in the previous four years. The agency called the trend "an unmistakable sign that, in Spain, warming is accelerating."
July was already confirmed as Spain's joint-hottest month on record, and the new data underscores a broader pattern across the continent. France recorded its hottest summer since 1900, while Belgium reported nearly 3,000 excess deaths during summer heatwaves, highlighting the human toll of extreme temperatures.
Spain's public health institute has registered nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths since 1 June. Across Europe, extreme heat has been linked to thousands of excess deaths, with vulnerable populations—especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions—bearing the brunt.
Economic and social strain
The heat has also disrupted economic activity. Drought and low river levels have hampered agriculture, energy production, and transport, while water restrictions have been imposed in several regions. The situation has prompted calls for stronger climate adaptation measures. Spain has urged the EU to make climate resilience binding and funded, arguing that member states need concrete support to cope with the escalating impacts.
As the continent grapples with these challenges, the record-breaking temperatures serve as a stark reminder of the urgency. Scientists warn that without significant emissions reductions, such extremes will become more frequent and severe, reshaping Europe's environment and economy.
For now, Spaniards are bracing for more hot days, with AEMET forecasting that the heat will persist into the weekend. The agency advises staying hydrated, avoiding outdoor exertion during peak hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbours.
