Spain recorded its hottest summer on record / The heat caused more than 5,000 deaths

Spain recorded the hottest summer since weather measurements began in 2026, with an average temperature of 24.5 degrees Celsius, according to the national meteorological agency (AEMET). The record was set during the June–August period, and the average was 0.3 degrees higher than that of the summer of 2025.

Extreme heat persisted throughout the entire season. AEMET recorded four heat waves, totaling 61 days and surpassing the previous record of 41 days, recorded in 2022. The ten hottest summers in the historical series occurred in the 21st century, and seven of the eight hottest summers occurred after 2015.

Between June 1 and August 31, more than 5,000 deaths were attributed to excessive temperatures, according to estimates by the Carlos III Health Institute. The heat waves also fueled wildfires. Nearly 296,000 hectares have burned in Spain since the beginning of the year, while in 2025 the annual total reached 393,000 hectares. The fires led to the evacuation of tens of thousands of people.