Last week, Spain experienced temperatures higher recorded in a May in its entire history. In several regions, thermometers exceeded 40 degrees Celsius, an unusual phenomenon for spring monthsHistorically, Spain has been affected by extreme temperatures both in winter and summer, due to its varied orography and climate. Therefore, below we will explore the temperature records most significant in the history of our country.
As for the lower temperatures registered, it is necessary to go back to February 1956During that month, several areas in Spain reached shocking temperatures of up to 20 degrees below zero. In the Pyrenees, some places recorded records of up to 40 degrees below zero. In particular, the city of Albacete holds the record for the lowest temperature in a provincial capital, with 24 degrees below zero, achieved in January 1971.
As for the highest extreme temperatures, we must mention the month of July 1994, when the region of Murcia reached the shocking figure of 47 degrees Celsius. In addition, we remember the heat wave of year 1995 , which hit cities like Seville and Cordoba, where thermometers recorded extreme temperatures of 46.5 degrees Celsius.
Another notable event occurred in the city of Jaén, which in 1939 recorded 46 degrees CelsiusThis data is relevant, since its observatory is located at 500 meters above sea level, which makes the figure even more impressive compared to the observatories in Seville and Cordoba, which are less than 100 meters above sea level.
Furthermore, it is important to highlight that Spain is going through a period of climate change, which influences weather patterns. According to experts, temperatures are expected to continue rising at an alarming rate as climate conditions continue to change.
A climatic phenomenon that has had significant impacts in Spain is the 2021 heat waveOn August 14 of that year, the Montoro meteorological station in Córdoba reached 47.4 degrees Celsius, which set a new record for maximum temperature in Spain. However, after a review of the records, it was confirmed that the town of La Rambla, also in Córdoba, had registered 47.6 degrees Celsius on the same day. This new data was crucial for meteorological history, considering that before that date, the record belonged to Córdoba Airport, with 46.9 degrees Celsius, registered on July 13, 2017.
Throughout the day on August 14, 2021, numerous stations in the region exceeded 46 degrees Celsius, not only Montoro but also Córdoba, where disturbing temperatures were reached. These types of scenarios reinforce the notion that global warming is potentially altering our climatic conditions. For a deeper understanding of the high temperature situation, you can read more about the mortality rate related to high temperatures.
Extreme temperatures in Spain are not just an isolated event, but reflect an increasingly common pattern. State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has revealed that in many recent cases, temperature records have been broken in several provinces. The current climate situation demands attention and measures to mitigate the effects of climate change in our region.
Among the latests Moravia's compositions record temperatures, worrying phenomena affecting public health and the environment have been recorded. For example, the summer of 2022 was one of the hottest in many areas, with data indicating that some locations exceeded the historical threshold, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Sweltering nights have also been reported where the minimum temperature did not drop below 25 degrees Celsius, meaning many places experienced an incessant heat wave. To better understand temperature variations and their impact, you can read about the diurnal variation in surface air temperature.
In turn, the recent January of 2024 was characterized by anomalous temperatures, setting new records in several provinces. During that heat wave, unusual highs exceeding 40 degrees Celsius were recorded in areas such as Huelva y Granada.
The situation has sparked widespread interest in the field of meteorology, as these figures are not only alarming but also offer insight into global climate change. It is clear that geographic and climatic factors directly influence these extreme conditions. For example, Spain's position relative to the Sahara Desert has allowed hot air currents to frequently reach the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to increasingly intense heat waves.
Heat Wave in 2024
In 2024, the second heat wave that affected Spain had a particular impact on the Andévalo region, where a maximum temperature of 45.6 degrees Celsius en The GranadoThis figure not only marks a new record for the current year, but also highlights the continued pattern of extreme heat on the peninsula.
Factors that cause extreme heat
Global warming and climatic conditions in the region are contributing to rising temperatures. Among the factors that determine heat waves in Spain are:
- The proximity to the Sahara Desert, which allows warm air to move north.
- The Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers.
- The phenomenon of climate change, which exacerbates extreme conditions.
Implications of climate change
The implications of climate change In Spain, these changes are becoming increasingly evident. Experts warn that this trend will continue and could result in adverse impacts on health, as well as on local agriculture and biodiversity. For more on climate change, it's interesting to consider how it could affect the temperature in the future.
The future of the climate in Spain
Projections suggest that, unless significant measures are taken to mitigate climate change, temperatures will continue to rise. This would make heat waves increasingly common, potentially generating more extreme weather and leading to serious long-term consequences for the environment and society at large.
Extreme temperatures in Spain are a clear reflection of the impact of climate change on our planet. Every year, records are broken at an alarming rate, and it is essential that we become aware of the risks and work together to mitigate this problem that affects us all. The history of extreme temperatures in our country is a wake-up call to the need to act for a more sustainable and resilient future.
