Spain Sizzles: July Hottest on Record Amidst Wildfires

Mainland Spain experienced its joint-hottest July since records began in 1961. The average temperature recorded was 25.7C, which is 2.6C higher than the typical 1991-2020 reference period. This matches the record set in July 2022.

Last month was also the driest July ever recorded in mainland Spain, with only 4.3 millimeters of rain falling. This amount represents just 26 percent of the normal precipitation for this time of year. These extreme weather conditions, characterized by relentless heat and scarce rainfall, created a perfect environment for wildfires.

The country saw its biggest wildfire in recent history, burning over 50,000 hectares. This devastating blaze necessitated the evacuation of tens of thousands of people and was declared a national emergency, underscoring the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

Of the ten warmest Julys on record in Spain, eight have occurred in the 21st century, indicating a significant trend in rising temperatures. The southeastern region of Murcia recorded the highest temperature, reaching 44.2C on July 23.