A recent heatwave in Spain has been declared the “most intense on record” by the country’s state meteorological agency, AEMET.
The agency reported that provisional readings for the 16-day heatwave, which occurred from August 3-18, exceeded the previous record set in July 2022. The average temperature during this period was 4.6°C higher than usual for such weather phenomena.
The heatwave created tinderbox conditions that fueled wildfires, which continue to ravage parts of northern and western Spain.
According to an estimate released by the Carlos III Health Institute, more than 1,100 deaths in Spain have been linked to the heatwave. The severity of these events highlights the need for better preparation and adaptation to climate crises.
AEMET noted that since it began recording heatwaves in 1975, there have been 77 such events in Spain. Six of these heatwaves have been 4°C or more above average, with five occurring since 2019.
The agency emphasized that the climate crisis is driving longer, more intense, and more frequent heatwaves worldwide.
AEMET stated that a 10-day period within the heatwave, from August 8-17, was the hottest 10 consecutive days recorded in Spain since at least 1950.
The agency concluded that “it is a scientific fact that current summers are hotter than in previous decades”.
AEMET added, “Each summer is not always going to be hotter than the previous one, but there is a clear trend towards much more extreme summers. What is key is adapting to, and mitigating, climate change.”
The situation in Spain highlights the broader issue of climate change, which is having far-reaching impacts worldwide. As the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires increase, it is essential for countries to develop strategies for mitigating and adapting to these changes.
By understanding these trends and taking proactive measures, communities can work towards reducing the devastating consequences of climate-related events.