According to Aemet (the State Meteorological Agency), 2024 will go down as Spain’s third-hottest year on record, with an annual average temperature of 15°C. This follows two consecutive years of unprecedented heat, making 2023 and 2022 the first and second-hottest years, respectively. From an unseasonably warm winter to an intensely hot summer, 2024 exemplifies the accelerating effects of climate change across Spain.

A Year of Record-Breaking Heat

The summer of 2024 set a new national record as the hottest ever. The first 40°C day arrived unusually early in May, with Huelva recording 41.3°C. Aemet documented 31 days of record-high temperatures across the year, a stark contrast to the usual five, while not a single day set a record low.

This relentless heatwave had widespread consequences. Crops like almonds, cherries, and other frost-dependent fruits struggled to mature due to a lack of cold days during winter. The absence of winter frosts is becoming a persistent problem for farmers, threatening yields and traditional agricultural practices.

Wild Weather Swings

While the heat dominated headlines, extreme weather events added to the challenges. Early in the year, Storm Juan delivered heavy snowfall, disrupting transport and blanketing parts of northern Spain. March brought Storm Nelson, with torrential rain causing localized flooding and damage to infrastructure.

Following the dry, record-breaking summer, August saw the Balearic Islands pummeled by flash floods. Menorca recorded over 200 mm of rain in just 24 hours, highlighting the erratic nature of weather patterns.

In October, a catastrophic DANA (an isolated high-altitude depression) hit Valencia, bringing deadly floods that devastated communities and claimed lives. Meanwhile, sandstorms and “barro” (muddy rain laced with Saharan dust) left their mark, a visible reminder of how climate change connects Spain’s climate to global patterns.

Global Implications

Spain’s extreme weather mirrors a concerning global trend. For the first time, global temperatures in 2024 surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold set by the Paris Agreement. Although this does not signify a permanent breach of the agreement’s targets, it serves as a stark warning. Without immediate action, these temporary breaches could become the norm, with dire consequences for ecosystems and societies worldwide.

The Road Ahead

Spain’s 2024 climate story isn’t just a record of rising temperatures and extreme weather—it’s a call to action. As the country faces challenges to its agriculture, infrastructure, and public safety, the urgency of addressing climate change is undeniable.

Image: Shutterstock/Andrey_Popov