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Spain’s 2024 Climate Report Highlights Record Heat, Torrential Rains, and Easing Drought

Aemet confirms 2024 as Spain's third-warmest year on record, marked by extreme weather events, including October's catastrophic Valencia floods and a significant rise in sea temperatures.

Overview

  • Spain's 2024 annual average temperature reached 15.1°C, making it the third-warmest year since 1961, with a long-term rise of 1.69°C observed over six decades.
  • The October 29 DANA event in Valencia caused unprecedented rainfall, with Turís recording 772 L/m² in 24 hours, setting national records for hourly and multi-hour precipitation intensities.
  • Three summer heat waves occurred between July 18 and August 12, with 22 out of 26 days marked by extreme heat, while no cold waves were recorded in 2024.
  • Mediterranean sea temperatures averaged 20°C in 2024, the second-highest on record, with the Balearic Sea experiencing 33 consecutive days of record-high surface temperatures late in the year.
  • Spring 2025 rains have replenished reservoirs to 77% capacity, easing a multi-year drought, though forecasts suggest rising temperatures and heightened wildfire risks in the coming months.