Spain Heatwave: Record May Temperatures
- Spain baked through its hottest May day ever, according to the national weather agency AEMET.
- AEMET announced the record on social media, noting that Saturday was the second-hottest may day with an average of 23.91C.
- The record-breaking heatwave, impacting climate change and extreme weather, saw temperatures climb more than 10C above normal for this time of year in some regions.
Spain is sweltering after experiencing its hottest May day on record, with temperatures exceeding 24 degrees Celsius. This unprecedented heatwave,fueled by a mass of hot air from Africa,underscores the growing impact of climate change,intensifying extreme weather across the Iberian Peninsula. News Directory 3 reports that the record-breaking temperatures, which broke previous highs set in 2022, have prompted scientists to emphasize the link between human activity and the increasing frequency of intense heatwaves. The early arrival of summer-like conditions is a stark reminder of the shifting climate patterns. Discover what’s next as meteorologists monitor the ongoing situation and its implications on the surrounding habitat.
Spain Sizzles: Hottest May Day on Record Amid Climate change
updated June 02, 2025
Spain baked through its hottest May day ever, according to the national weather agency AEMET. the average temperature across mainland Spain hit 24.08 degrees Celsius (75.34 degrees Fahrenheit) on Friday, surpassing the previous record of 23.73C set in May 2022.
AEMET announced the record on social media, noting that Saturday was the second-hottest may day with an average of 23.91C. The agency has tracked temperature data since 1950.
The record-breaking heatwave, impacting climate change and extreme weather, saw temperatures climb more than 10C above normal for this time of year in some regions. The surge of hot air originated in Africa, pushing temperatures past 40C in parts of Andalusia, southern Spain.
While such high temperatures in May are unusual, AEMET noted similar events occurred in 2015 and 2022. Ruben del Campo,an AEMET spokesperson,said these events reflect summer-like conditions arriving earlier and more frequently.
Scientists emphasize that climate change, driven by human activity, is increasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves and other extreme weather events. Spain has experienced its three hottest years on record recently and is recovering from a prolonged drought.
What’s next
AEMET continues to monitor temperatures and assess the long-term impacts of the early heatwave on Spain’s surroundings and resources, as climate patterns shift.
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