2025 marks Spain’s hottest summer ever

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency confirmed the country had experienced its hottest ever summer, with extreme weather events and temperatures causing havoc.

The average temperature during the summer of 2025 reached 24.2°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2022 and sitting 2.1°C above the historical average for the period 1991–2020. AEMET described summer of 2025 as “exceptionally intensive,” with extended heatwaves affecting mainland, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands.

Spain experienced three major summer heatwaves. Two of the heatwaves affected the Balearic Islands as well as the mainland. A third one hit the Canary Islands and lasted 33 days. The August heatwave was particularly severe, with temperatures averaging 4.6°C above normal for 16 consecutive days, setting a record for intensity. Many regions recorded highs exceeding 45°C, with southern provinces such as Jerez de la Frontera and Moron de la Frontera among the hottest.

Spain’s drought crisis was exacerbated by the combination of heat and dry weather. The province of Ourense, which was the most severely affected, saw wildfires spread over 362,000 acres of land. Water shortages in several municipalities have added to the public’s concern. Farmers reported significant crop losses. Human cost has been high due to the heat record. The Carlos III Health Institute recorded 1,180 heat-related fatalities between May and July. This is a significant increase from the 114 deaths reported in 2024. The August heatwave caused over 1,100 more deaths, bringing the summer 2025 total to 2,200. The elderly were most vulnerable to extreme heat, with the majority of deaths occurring amongst those 65 years and older. The health authorities have warned that early detection of heat stress, and proper hydration are crucial to preventing additional deaths.

The extreme summer brought back the debate on climate change, and whether or not the country was prepared for such an event. The emergency services and hospitals were overloaded, and government advisories urged citizens to stay indoors during the peak of summer and to take care of elderly relatives or those who are vulnerable. The Spanish government responded to these alarming patterns by proposing a national climate crisis pact. The Spanish government is currently discussing measures such as the creation of an agency for civil protection and emergencies, improving territorial adaptations to heatwaves and allocating funding to support public health interventions and wildfire recovery. The proposal will be debated by the Parliament, but some allies expressed doubts about the magnitude of the measures.

AEMET predicts a warmer than average autumn, with rainfall below the national average in most of Spain. Experts warn of the possibility that extreme heat events, or similar ones, could continue. This would put further pressure on infrastructure, agriculture and public health. The record-breaking heat in Spain is a reminder that climate change’s effects are escalating. To prevent future summers that are even worse, authorities call for more comprehensive public health measures and better emergency preparedness. They also urge policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.