Yesterday, September 22, marked the end of the summer season. According to the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this was the second hottest summer in Spain on record. Only 2003 was a warmer summer than 2023. Average temperatures across the country reached 25ºC, while the global average was 24,7ºC, which represents an increase of 1,6ºC compared to the averages for the summers between 1981 and 2010. If you want to know more about summer projections, we recommend reading about summer in the Mediterranean region.
It's important to note that global values vary, as each region has unique climatic characteristics. However, the summers ranked in global warmth are also among the warmest worldwide. This summer even surpassed the extremes of 2015 and 2016, which was an unusual expectation. After an exceptionally warm summer, this year's fall is expected to be equally warm, possibly even warmer. warmer than normalFor more information about the phenomenon, you can read about the continuous heat waves in Spain.
A review of how the mercury in thermometers has reacted
At the beginning of the season, June was the warmest month since 1965, recording an average temperature that exceeded 3ºC the historical average for this month. This is related to the fact that Summer could be warmer than normal in many areas. July and August also saw above-normal temperatures, with 0,9ºC y 1ºC additional to the averages, respectively. In this context, it is interesting to observe how June was positioned as the hottest in many years.
Southern Spain has been the hardest hit, witnessing records of extreme temperaturesIn Córdoba, the figures were reached 46,9ºC, while in Granada and Jaén temperatures were recorded 45,7ºC y 44,4ºC, respectively. Many municipalities in the south experienced heat waves with temperatures exceeding 40ºC for consecutive days, as mentioned in the reports on temperature records in Spain.
Despite the heat, in terms of rainfall, this summer was considered "wet" with a national average of 79 liters per square meter, which represents an increase of 7% compared to the historical average. Autumn is expected to be wetter, as the annual balance is at a 12% below the general average.
Heat waves in the summer of 2023
During the summer, there were four heat waves in the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands. The first two waves occurred in 9 to 12 July and the 17 to 20 July, affecting 14 and 20 provinces, respectively. Subsequently, two more waves developed between the August 6 and 13 (19 provinces affected) and the 18 to August 25 (35 affected provinces), being the most extensive and intense, exceeding 40ºC in much of the territory. The August 10th, XNUMX a maximum temperature of was recorded 46,8 ° C at Valencia Airport, setting a new record. This is related to what is happening in other parts of the world, where Heat waves have also left serious consequences.
AEMET reports that, according to the data currently available, a total of 24 days of heat wave In the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, this was the fourth summer with the highest number of days under this condition since 2015, 2017, and 2022. In the Canary Islands, two heat waves were also experienced in August, both of which were significant. For a more comprehensive analysis of the impact of these waves, you can visit the impacts of heat waves in Spain.
Temperatures at 23 major stations showed the summer average to be the highest on record. At 15 of these stations, the average maximum temperature was the highest on record, and at 29 stations, the average minimum temperature exceeded previous records. However, there were three episodes of temperatures below normal, these were of short duration and took place between the days 25 & 26 of July, 3 y 5 August, and 27 y 30 August.
Variations in climate and precipitation
In terms of precipitation, The summer of 2023 was very humid, accumulating in the Peninsula a total of 87,2 mm, which represents the 124% relative to the normal average. This has been classified as the sixteenth wettest summer since 1961, and the third wettest of the 2010st century, surpassed only by 2018 and 2015. In the Canary Islands, it was also recorded as the second wettest summer, after XNUMX. This summer has been notable not only for the heat, but also for the increase in rainfall, which highlights the importance of understanding the effect of global warming on extreme events.
Climate data and the effects of global warming continue to impact weather patterns. The AEMET (Spanish Meteorological Agency) has noted that the average temperature of Spain's coastal oceans has reached unprecedented values in the first eight months of 2023, which has led to an increase in meteorological activity and a change in traditional weather patterns. This may also be related to phenomena such as DANA and climate change.
Climate change, which has raised temperatures to alarming levels, has serious implications not only for the seasons, but also for agriculture, water availability, and public health. With unusual temperatures and altered rainfall, the future outlook seems uncertain for many communities that depend on the natural cycle of seasons. It is essential to understand these phenomena, such as the connection between extreme weather and global warming.
It is essential that both authorities and the population prepare for the challenges presented by these changing climate conditions. The implementation of effective policies To mitigate climate change and adapt communities to new climate realities will be essential in the coming years. The need to prepare is critical, especially considering the increase in heat waves, as documented in dry summers in the last decade.
