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Spain experiences record-breaking heatwave with devastating consequences

• Extreme temperatures: Temperatures have consistently topped 40°C (104°F) in many parts of the country, reaching as high as 46°C (114.8°F) in some areas like El Granado. This June has been confirmed as the hottest on record for Spain, with an average temperature of 23.6°C (74.5°F), 3.5°C higher than the historical average.
• Increased mortality: The Carlos III Health Institute reported 1,180 deaths attributed to heat-related causes between May 16 and July 13. This represents a drastic increase compared to the same period last year, when 114 deaths were recorded. Most of the deceased were over 65, and close to two-thirds were women. The northern regions of Galicia, La Rioja, Asturias, and Cantabria, typically experiencing moderate summer temperatures, have been particularly vulnerable and are experiencing a noticeable rise in temperatures in recent years.
• Impact on daily life and the economy: The extreme heat has severely impacted people's livelihoods and businesses. Industries like agriculture, construction, and tourism have been particularly hard hit, facing steep losses. An Allianz Research report warns that Spain could lose up to 1.4 percentage points of GDP this year due to the combined effects of heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires.
• Climate change connection: The UN's climate agency and other experts confirm that these extreme temperatures are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change, with global warming making such events significantly more likely and dangerous.
• Government response: Spanish authorities issued 76 red alerts for extreme heat during the affected period, a sharp contrast to zero alerts in the same timeframe in 2024. Spain's annual heat plan provides guidance to administrations, health professionals, and citizens when intense heat strikes, according to Euronews. Euronews reports . This plan includes hyper-local heat alerts ranging from green (no risk) to red (high risk to health and life).
• Calls for action: There are growing calls for greater government action and education on how to cope with extreme heat and other weather-related events. Workers are also protesting and demanding better working conditions, including adequate clothing and more breaks during the sweltering summer months.