As 2025 progresses, summer is shaping up to be one of the hottest and most challenging on record. for much of the northern hemisphere. The high temperatures are already making themselves felt strongly, and forecasts indicate that the trend will continue, intensifying both public health problems and economic difficulties in many countries.
In Spain, The month of June has broken all known records since meteorological records began. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), the average temperature this month has been more than one degree above normal for these dates, triggering almost continuous heat health alerts throughout the territory. The Ministry of Health maintains active control and prevention mechanisms to reduce damage related to the heat wave, which has already caused thousands of deaths in Europe in the past.
Extreme temperatures, heat waves and little rain
The forecast for the summer is clear: the heat will not let up.. From Aemet it is warned that temperatures will exceed normal in most of the country, with a probability of up to 70% of experiencing hot conditions in the Mediterranean area and the archipelagos. In regions such as Catalonia and the Canary Islands, the forecast points to increasingly extreme and prolonged summers, with very little rainfallIn addition, rainfall is expected to be below normal or below normal, which could exacerbate the drought in several areas.
In the Canary Islands, after a spring with abundant rains, summer arrives marked by rising temperatures, a a trend that is repeated in different areas of the PeninsulaAlthough there has been exceptional rainfall in spring, it has not been enough to alleviate the accumulated drought.
Consequences on health and the economy
The increase in heat alerts has direct repercussions on daily life.Rising temperatures are closely linked to an increase in illness and mortality, especially among vulnerable groups. The health alert system, in operation since 2004, adjusts risk thresholds for each region and anticipates days when a significant increase in heat-related mortality may occur. These alerts consider both daytime and nighttime temperatures and the duration of extreme episodes, as the accumulation of very hot days can cause serious health problems.
On the other hand, heat has significant economic effects, especially on energy consumption. This year, It is estimated that Spanish households will spend more than 349 million euros extra on air conditioning. during the summer. The ever-increasing price of electricity further exacerbates this situation. Experts recommend adjusting electricity rates, maintaining and optimizing air conditioning equipment, and adapting homes to improve energy efficiency.
The price difference between the highest and lowest rates can exceed 38%, and efficient consumption management can result in significant average savings. However, energy market volatility continues to raise uncertainty about the potential rise in these costs if regulatory measures persist and wholesale prices continue to rise.
Impact on Cuba: heat and energy crisis
The situation in the Caribbean, especially in Cuba, is even more complex. Summer has begun with extreme temperatures and historic records., accompanied by a progressive collapse of the electrical system. Recurring and prolonged blackouts, which can exceed 20 hours in some areas, increase the temperature and make it difficult to combat the heat using normal means. Furthermore, access to essential services such as healthcare, food preservation, and internet access is also affected by the energy crisis and the rising cost of basic services.
United States and America: a sweltering summer
In United States, Summer has begun with temperatures close to 38°C in several urban areas.Cities like New York are facing temperatures reaching 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making extreme heat a priority for public health and electrical infrastructure. In places like Kansas, special wind and heat forecasts have been put in place, though these haven't reached record levels this time around.
This heat particularly affects those facing energy insecurity, as they are unable to meet their basic cooling needs. Local institutions and meteorological services are issuing recommendations to reduce risks, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing conditions.
Climate change and international alarm
Increasingly long, dry, and hot summers are linked to climate change.Spain and southern Europe are experiencing an earlier onset and increased intensity of summer spells. The presence of greenhouse gases at record levels, coupled with the lack of progress in reducing emissions, increases the likelihood of increasingly harsh summers in the coming years. To better understand how climate change affects our summer seasons, you can also read the article June Sayings.
This phenomenon not only affects the peninsula: Global data indicates that June 2025 was one of the three warmest months in global history.Recent years have repeatedly broken previous global temperature records. International organizations such as Copernicus warn of the increasing presence of ozone in the troposphere and the worsening drought, underscoring the need for society to adapt to this extreme climate.
Heat represents a cross-cutting challenge that impacts public health, household finances, essential services, and energy security. The key lies in increasing efficiency, prevention, and adaptation at both the individual and collective levels.