Spain's average August temperature ties 2024 record high

Impact of the heatwave

The country experienced a record 16-day heatwave last month, which fueled wildfires that resulted in four fatalities. The Carlos III Health Institute estimates that the heatwave caused over 1,100 deaths, primarily among individuals over 65.

Prolonged heat conditions

"For most of August, temperatures were above average, with a notable prolonged and intense heat wave occurring between August 3 and 18," AEMET stated. During this period, both daily maximum and minimum temperatures were significantly elevated.

Record-breaking heatwave

AEMET previously described last month's heatwave as "the most intense on record," with average temperatures 4.6°C higher than previous events. Since 1975, AEMET has documented 77 heatwaves in Spain, with six exceeding 4°C above average; five of these have occurred since 2019.

Devastating wildfires

This year, over 380,000 hectares (nearly 1,500 square miles) have burned, marking a record annual total and nearly five times the average. Most of the destruction occurred in August, particularly in northwest and western Spain, leading to the evacuation of thousands.

Climate change influence

Scientists indicate that climate change is driving longer, more intense, and more frequent heatwaves globally. A report from World Weather Attribution revealed that human-caused climate change increased the likelihood of the hot, dry, and windy conditions that fueled the deadly wildfires in Spain and neighboring Portugal last month by 40 times.