Madrid: Spain has experienced its hottest summer since record-keeping began, with average temperatures soaring 2.1°C above the 1991–2020 baseline, according to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The sweltering season has shattered previous records, including the 2022 benchmark, and has intensified one of the country’s most severe wildfire seasons in decades.
Over the course of the summer, Spain endured three separate heatwaves spanning 36 days, with August alone witnessing a 16-day stretch of extreme heat. Temperatures in southern regions repeatedly exceeded 45°C, creating perilous conditions for residents and straining energy and water resources. The extreme weather also contributed to widespread wildfires, with more than 362,000 hectares burned in Spain, making it a significant contributor to over one million hectares scorched across the European Union.
AEMET officials emphasize that nine of the ten hottest summers in Spain have occurred since the turn of the century, highlighting a worrying trend linked to climate change. Rubén del Campo, an agency spokesperson, described the summers of 2022 and 2025 as a “trailer for what could occur by mid-century,” stressing the urgency of climate mitigation and adaptation measures.
The human toll of the heat has been profound. Authorities report more than 1,500 heat-related deaths in Spain this summer, a 42% increase from the previous year, with the majority of fatalities among those over 60 years old. Health officials warned that vulnerable populations faced extreme risks during the prolonged heatwaves, which disrupted daily life, public services, and agricultural activity.
In response, the Spanish government has proposed a national climate pact aimed at strengthening adaptation strategies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives include establishing a State Civil Protection and Emergency Agency, implementing heatwave response plans, and allocating funds for rebuilding areas affected by wildfires. However, some lawmakers have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the proposals, and the measures are set to be discussed in the regular commission on Ecological Transition rather than through a dedicated subcommittee.
Experts warn that record-breaking summers like that of 2025 are likely to become more frequent and intense if global warming continues unchecked. The extreme temperatures and environmental devastation serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to safeguard human lives, natural ecosystems, and critical infrastructure.
Spain’s hottest summer on record is a vivid illustration of climate change in action an alarming signal for policymakers, scientists, and citizens alike that the window for decisive intervention is rapidly closing.