Good morning! How are you handling this endless heat wave? As temperatures reach extreme levels, it's the perfect time to investigate. which is the hottest city in Spain, a country known for its warm weather, especially during the summer.
You're probably wondering if Andalusia, with its Mediterranean climate, is actually the autonomous community where the mercury rises the most. Let's find out!
To determine which city is hottest, it is essential to compare records from previous years with the most recent. We also need to consider factors such as RH and the wind direction and speed. With this in mind, if we want to find out what Spain's pan is by looking only at the most extreme annual high temperature, we can safely say that Écija, located in Andalusia, is the hottest. Every year, this city exceeds 37ºC, and it is not uncommon to see temperatures of 40ºC, 42ºC and even 45ºC, as was the case in 2023 during the heat wave.
As for the official record of highest temperature recorded by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), this belongs to Murcia, where the July 4, 1994, impressive achievements were achieved 47.2ºCThis record highlights the variability of the extreme temperatures in different regions of Spain and is related to cases such as that of heat waves in other parts of the world.
If we look at the average maximum temperatures, Córdoba holds the title with an average temperature of 36.7ºCfollowed by Sevilla having 35.8ºC, Granada 34.5ºC, and Toledo 34.2ºC.
The heat wave not only affects the maximum temperatures, but it can also make the minimum temperatures are extremely high. For example, Almería y Palm Mallorca has recorded the highest minimum temperatures, reaching 22.1ºC. They follow them Ibiza 21.8ºC y Valencia 21.7ºC especially on days of extreme heat.
Temperatures in Other Hot Cities in Spain
Spain's geography means some cities become real furnaces during the warmer months. Here are some other cities that stand out for their high temperatures:
- Badajoz: Known for its extreme heat, it has reached temperatures of up to 44ºC.
- Murcia: Frequently reports temperatures exceeding 40ºC.
- Toledo: Another city with a history of extremely high temperatures, often reaching 40ºC.
- GranadaAlthough close to the Sierra Nevada, it is known for its hot summers.
Reasons for Extreme Heat in Andalusia
One of the main reasons why Andalusian cities like Córdoba y Écija they reach temperatures so extreme is due to its geographical location, which allows the entry of hot air from the south, particularly from the Sahara desertThis phenomenon is more pronounced in the Guadalquivir valley, where the local topography and continentality contribute to the accumulation of heat. During heat waves, air becomes trapped in this region, raising temperatures above normal averages. To learn more about this phenomenon, you can consult what is dog days.
Another important aspect is the effect that breezes have on local temperatures. During the day, exposure to the sun warms the Earth's surface, and when a low pressure builds up, this warm air is trapped in the valley and reheated further, creating what is known as a thermal frying pan.
The Consequences of Extreme Heat
Extreme heat is not simply a discomfort; has serious consequences for health and the environment. Extreme temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and exacerbate pre-existing health problems. The most vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and children, are particularly susceptible. To better understand how heat affects animals in these circumstances, we invite you to read our article on how heat affects animals.
In addition, the increase in temperatures has a direct effect on water resources. Many of the most affected areas, such as Almería y Córdoba, are experiencing droughts that affect both agriculture and the availability of drinking waterThis poses a serious challenge for sustainable water management in the future.
Air quality is also compromised due to the contamination and high temperatures, which can exacerbate respiratory conditions. In turn, hot nights affect sleep and, consequently, the general well-being of the population.
The impact of climate change is evident in this context. temperatures are rising at an alarming rate, and what used to be a rare event is becoming the norm. According to AEMET, temperatures have risen a total of 1.6ºC since pre-industrial times, and rising temperatures are an issue that is related to climate change.
Which Cities Are Competing for the Title?
When discussing which is the hottest city in Spain, Córdoba y Sevilla are often at the center of the conversation. While Córdoba has stood out for recording the higher temperatures In summer, Seville has an average annual temperature that places it at the top in terms of overall warmth throughout the year. This phenomenon of extreme temperatures makes it necessary to ask: What is the hottest city in the world?.
In terms of historical records, Córdoba has the honor of having officially registered 46.9ºC on July 13, 2017, while the highest unofficial record belongs to Murcia with 47.2ºCThis indicates that, although Córdoba may be the hottest in the summer, Seville could be considered the warmest year-round.
Therefore, both Córdoba , the Sevilla can claim their place on the list of the hottest cities in Spain, although each has its own characteristics and records that differentiate them.
The debate about which is actually the hottest city in Spain does not have a simple answer, since it depends on whether we are considering the absolute maximum temperatures or the annual averages. However, Andalusia is undoubtedly the region that leads the way in both cases.
The combination of geographical, climatic and social factors continues to shape the environment of these communities. Thus, knowledge about the heat waves and its impact is not only useful, but essential for adapting and making appropriate decisions in urban planning and resource management.
Knowing which is the hottest city in Spain is essential to help the population prepare and adapt to changing climatic conditions. This knowledge not only affects those who live in these areas, but also visitors who plan to enjoy the tourist attractions in these destinations.
