Spain’s state meteorological agency, AEMET, has reported that the 16-day heatwave the country experienced this month was the most intense on record. According to provisional data from August 3–18, temperatures surpassed the previous record set in July 2022, with average temperatures 4.6°C higher than in past heatwaves.
The extreme heat worsened already dry conditions, fueling wildfires that continue to affect northern and western regions. An estimate from the Carlos III Health Institute, released on Tuesday, links more than 1,100 deaths in Spain to the heatwave.
Since AEMET began keeping records in 1975, Spain has experienced 77 heatwaves, six of which exceeded average temperatures by 4°C or more—five of those occurring since 2019. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity, duration, and frequency of heatwaves worldwide to the climate crisis.
AEMET noted that a 10-day stretch from August 8–17 was the hottest consecutive 10-day period recorded in Spain since at least 1950. The agency emphasized that it is a scientific fact that summers are now hotter than in previous decades. While not every summer will be hotter than the last, there is a clear trend toward more extreme conditions. The key, AEMET added, is adapting to and mitigating climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Spains recordbreaking heatwave and wildfires designed to be clear concise and helpful
General Beginner Questions
1 What exactly happened with the heatwave in Spain
A severe recordbreaking heatwave hit Spain with temperatures soaring well above 40C in many areas It was one of the earliest and most intense heatwaves ever recorded for the country
2 Why did the heatwave cause so many wildfires
The extreme heat dried out vegetation turning forests and grasslands into perfect fuel A single spark from sources like lightning machinery or human carelessness was enough to ignite fastspreading uncontrollable fires
3 Which areas of Spain were most affected
The wildfires were widespread but some of the hardesthit regions were in the northwest the southwest and Catalonia in the northeast
4 Was anyone hurt
Yes tragically Several people died directly from the heat and thousands were evacuated from their homes due to the wildfires Some fatalities were also reported among firefighters and residents caught in the fires
5 Is this normal for Spain in the summer
Hot dry summers are normal for Spain but the intensity early timing and duration of this heatwave were extreme and far beyond typical summer weather making it a historic event
Intermediate CauseOriented Questions
6 What made this heatwave a recordbreaking event
It broke records for the highest temperatures ever recorded for that time of year Many local weather stations recorded their alltime highest temperatures not just highs for the month
7 Is climate change to blame for this
While no single weather event is caused solely by climate change scientists confirm that climate change makes extreme heatwaves like this one far more likely more intense and more frequent
8 What is a heat dome and did it play a role
Yes A heat dome is when a highpressure system traps and compresses warm air over a large area acting like a lid on a pot This phenomenon was a key driver of the intense and persistent heat
9 How do authorities fight such massive wildfires
They use a combination of ground crews aircraft waterdropping planes
