Last winter was the warmest recorded in the entire history of Spain. It has been a winter with abnormally high temperatures and an absence of cold waves. This trend is being repeated more and more with the consequences of climate change.
In this article, we'll analyze why last winter was the warmest in Spain's history and what awaits us in spring and summer.
Last winter was the warmest recorded in the entire history of Spain
Along with the 2019-2020 winter season, the country's general average temperature experienced a notable increase of 1,9 ºC compared to usual. Although rainfall remained within expected ranges, certain regions of the Cantabrian Sea and an important part of the Mediterranean area encountered arid conditions, with meteorological drought persisting. As we approach the astronomical spring, which is scheduled to begin on March 20 at 04:06 peninsular time, It is very likely that Spain will see temperatures above average. As for precipitation, there is the same probability that it will exceed usual levels or not.
The State Meteorological Agency has published the climate forecast for the winter former. According to the report, it was the warmest winter on record, matching the winter of 2019-20. As for rainfall, in general it was within normal range, but there were areas of high humidity in the western areas of the country, while the Levant, Cantabrian areas, southern Andalusia and the archipelagos experienced dry or very dry conditions.
Winter temperatures
The 2023-24 winter season, which runs from December 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, exhibited an exceptionally high level of warmth across mainland Spain. The average temperature recorded during this period was 8,5°C, 1,9°C above the long-term average for this location. This makes it one of the warmest winters on record, along with the 2019-20 season, since data collection began in 1961.
In the Mediterranean region, the winter season was marked by a exceptionally warm weather, while the rest of mainland Spain experienced very warm conditions. The Balearic Islands also experienced high levels of heat, while the Canary Islands experienced an extremely warm winter. Throughout the three-month period, temperatures consistently exceeded the reference period average and there were frequent warm spells, characterized by above-normal temperatures.
Two particularly notable episodes were observed from January 21 to February 9 and February 12 to 22, both with unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures for this time of year. Other major warm episodes occurred from December 8 to 13, December 29 to January 4, and January 13 to 19. Despite these warm periods, there were several instances of colder below normal temperatures. However, none of these cases reached the level of a cold wave.
Winter Precipitation
In terms of precipitation, the winter season was generally within the normal range. Peninsular Spain experienced an average rainfall of 170,5 mm, which represents 90% of the normal value during the reference period 1991-2020. However, while most regions of the Peninsula had a normal to wet winter, the Levant, parts of the Cantabrian Sea and southern Andalusia experienced a dry to very dry season.
The Balearic archipelago also had a generally dry winter, while the Canary Islands faced a serious lack of rainfall. It experienced a notable decrease in rainfall, with only 118,8 liters per square meter, which represents a significant decrease of 33% compared to the average. Meanwhile, The Canary Islands faced a substantial reduction of 62%, receiving just 36,6 liters per square meter.
Of particular concern was the limited rainfall experienced in specific regions of the Mediterranean, including Almería, Murcia and the coastal areas of Alicante, Valencia and Castellón, where only a fraction of the average rainfall was recorded.
The data presented indicate a shift towards lower precipitation during the winter months in Spain. However, the State Meteorological Agency refrains from directly linking this trend with climate change. Del Campo, by Aemet, suggests that more comprehensive statistical analyzes are necessary to draw more definitive conclusions.
December started with very little rain, but January returned to normal levels and February brought above-average rainfall. This increase in precipitation helped alleviate the meteorological drought in the northwest basins of the country. However, the situation persisted at the end of winter in most of the Mediterranean slope, certain areas of the Cantabrian Sea and both archipelagos.
Seasons forecast
The quarter of April, May and June, which coincides with astronomical spring, is likely to experience above-average temperatures across the country, particularly in the northernmost region of the peninsula, the Mediterranean coast and the archipelagos. However, it is difficult to provide an accurate precipitation forecast, as there is an equal chance that spring will be wetter or drier than usual.
The transition from winter to spring means a period of rejuvenation and metamorphosis in the natural world. As the days lengthen and temperatures gradually rise, the landscape undergoes a gradual alteration, shedding the perceived cold of winter to embrace the vitality and renewal of spring.
On Wednesday, March 20 at 4:06 the arrival of spring was officially announced. Cayetano Torres, coordinator of the Meteorological and Climatological Information Area, has previewed the coming months. According to Torres, there is a high probability that temperatures will rise above average, leading to hotter conditions across Spain.
According to the AEMET, Above-average heat is expected during the upcoming summer season. This temperature rise will affect all Mediterranean nations, including Italy and Greece.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the warmth of this winter and how it will affect us.