Spain is no stranger to high temperatures, but 2024 has set alarming precedents. Data from the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET) reveals that this year was among the hottest in recorded history for 34 provinces. Temperatures consistently exceed historical norms, which points to the pressing reality of climate change.
According to AEMET, 126 temperature records have been broken so far, with 41 recorded in provincial capitals. For instance, Granada, Cuenca, and Albacete have seen maximum temperatures exceeding the 1981–2010 average by over 2.3°C. These anomalies reflect a broader pattern, with 2024 being the hottest year on record in one province and the second hottest in six others.
A nationwide phenomenon
While December 2024 saw some respite, with Las Palmas recording the highest temperature at 22.8°C and Leon the coldest at -0.6°C, the broader trend remains troubling. Comparing year-long data to the historical average reveals a consistent and widespread deviation across Spain. This warming is not isolated but forms part of a decade-long trend.
Understanding the data
AEMET’s analysis relies on comprehensive historical data, using the 1981–2010 period as the baseline for “normal” temperatures. This methodology reveals how far current conditions deviate from historical norms. For example, Murcia and Valencia have recorded temperatures nearly 2°C above average, ranking 2024 as the second hottest year for both provinces.
The climate crisis in numbers
Granada’s average maximum temperature of 25.6°C, 2.6°C above the historical average, exemplifies the severity of the current crisis. Similarly, cities like Madrid and Salamanca have reported anomalies of over 1.7°C, ranking 2024 among their top five hottest years.
The rise in temperatures isn’t a new phenomenon. Data from the past decade shows a steady increase in maximum temperatures across all provinces. Climate stripes, popularised by scientist Ed Hawkins, illustrate this trend with striking clarity. These visualisations reveal how Spain’s climate has warmed significantly compared to the late 20th century.
Implications and call to action
The last three years have been the hottest in the country since records began, with 2022 as the hottest summer in 60 years. The unprecedented heat of 2024 is a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis. Beyond the immediate discomfort, rising temperatures pose threats to agriculture, water resources, and public health. As Spain grapples with these challenges, urgent action is needed to mitigate further warming and adapt to the changing climate.