Temperature Records Broken in Spain: Thermometers Hit 44 Degrees

Spain is struggling with a severe heat wave affecting the entire country, especially the Catalonia and Valencia regions. These extreme temperatures, which have been affecting the area since the beginning of the week, reached their peak today, causing all-time high temperature records to be broken in many regions. The fact that thermometers in some coastal areas did not drop below 30 degrees during the night caused great physical discomfort and restlessness among people. Authorities announced that temperature values are far above seasonal norms and that they are closely monitoring the situation. This extraordinary meteorological event once again highlights the concrete and devastating impact of climate change on Southern Europe.

In the town of Vinebre (Ribera d'Ebre), located within the borders of the Autonomous Region of Catalonia, the temperature reached up to 44.1 degrees. According to the statement made by Meteocat, this figure, which is the highest value ever measured for this region in the records kept since 1998, means the seventh highest temperature in the station's history. In addition, extreme values such as 42.3 degrees in Ascó, 42.2 degrees at the Riba-roja d'Ebre dam, and 41.9 degrees in Espolla in the Alt Empordà region were recorded. The fact that the city of Girona also reached 41.1 degrees clearly reveals how vast a geography the heat wave has affected.

The city of Barcelona also got its share of these disastrous temperatures and broke a new record with 40.5 degrees, according to data from the Fabra Observatory. This value went down in history as the highest temperature measured in all meteorological records kept in the region for over a century. The previous record was recorded as 40.0 degrees on July 30, 2024, but this new wave surpassed all previous values. Following this extraordinary situation, the Barcelona City Council activated the alarm phase of its heat wave action plan. Emergency special measures have started to be taken to protect the most vulnerable groups in the city, such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions, babies, and the homeless.

Another important region that stood out in the temperature race was the Valencian Autonomous Region. According to statements made by Avamet, 44.1 degrees were measured in Llocnou d'en Fenollet in the La Costera region, recording one of the highest values in the country today. This region was followed by Canals with 43.9 degrees, Rafelguaraf with 42.8 degrees, and Xàtiva with 42.6 degrees. In inland areas such as Marina Alta, Safor, and Vall d'Albaida, nighttime temperatures hovering around 30 degrees created an almost unbreathable environment for residents. Due to these high temperatures continuing throughout the night, the local population has faced insomnia and various health problems.

The Balearic Islands, which are isolated from the rest of the country, are also under the influence of extreme heat. Especially in the inland areas of the island of Mallorca, temperatures have risen above 40 degrees for the second consecutive day. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), a temperature of 40.2 degrees was observed in Petra, 39.9 degrees in Artà and Son Servera, and 39.5 degrees in Sant Antoni de Portmany on the island of Ibiza. AEMET also announced that an oppressive and warm night is expected in the islands, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 27 degrees. Meteocat and other meteorology experts state that extreme temperatures will continue tomorrow, but they predict that exceeding the 40-degree threshold will be limited to fewer areas.