Last winter was the warmest on record in Spain . It was a winter with abnormally high temperatures and no cold waves. This trend is becoming increasingly common due to 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
Alongside the 2019-2020 winter season, the country's overall average temperature experienced a notable increase of 1,9°C compared to normal. While rainfall remained within expected ranges, certain regions of the Cantabrian Sea and a significant part of the Mediterranean area experienced arid conditions, with meteorological drought persisting. As we approach astronomical spring, which is scheduled to begin on March 20th at 04:06 AM (peninsular time), it is very likely that Spain will experience above-average temperatures . Regarding rainfall, there is an equal probability that it will either exceed or fall below normal levels.
The State Meteorological Agency has published its climate forecast for the previous winter . According to the report, it was the warmest winter ever recorded, matching the winter of 2019-20. Rainfall was generally within normal ranges, but areas of high humidity occurred in the western parts of the country, while the Levante region, parts of the Cantabrian coast , southern Andalusia, and the archipelagos experienced dry or very dry conditions.
Winter temperatures
The winter season of 2023-24, spanning from December 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024, exhibited exceptionally high levels of warmth across mainland Spain. The average temperature recorded during this period was 8,5°C, exceeding the long-term average for this location by 1,9°C. This makes it one of the warmest winters ever recorded, along with the 2019-20 season, since data collection began in 1961.
In the Mediterranean region, the winter season was marked by exceptionally warm weather , while the rest of peninsular Spain experienced very warm conditions. The Balearic Islands also experienced high levels of heat, while the Canary Islands had an extremely warm winter. Throughout the three-month period, temperatures consistently exceeded the average for the reference period, and frequent warm spells, characterized by above-normal temperatures, occurred.
Two particularly notable warm spells occurred from January 21 to February 9 and from February 12 to 22, both with unusually high maximum and minimum temperatures for this time of year. Other significant warm spells took place from December 8 to 13, from December 29 to January 4, and from January 13 to 19. Despite these warm periods, there were several instances of cooler temperatures than normal. However, none of these 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 is 90% of the normal value for the reference period 1991–2020. However, while most regions of the Peninsula had a normal to wet winter, the Levante region, parts of the Cantabrian Sea coast, and southern Andalusia experienced a dry to very dry season.
The Balearic archipelago also experienced a generally dry winter, while the Canary Islands faced a severe lack of rainfall. The Balearic Islands saw a significant drop in precipitation, with only 118,8 liters per square meter, a substantial decrease of 33% compared to the average. Meanwhile, the Canary Islands faced a further reduction of 62%, receiving a mere 36,6 liters per square meter.
Of particular concern was the limited rainfall experienced in specific regions of the Mediterranean, including AlmerÃa, 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 rainfall during the winter months in Spain. However, the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) refrains from directly linking this trend to climate change. Del Campo, from AEMET, suggests that more comprehensive statistical analysis is needed 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 three-month period encompassing 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, providing a precise rainfall forecast is difficult, as there is an equal chance that spring will be either 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 AEMET, above-average temperatures are expected during the upcoming summer season. This temperature increase 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.