Spain recorded its joint-highest September temperature on Thursday, reaching 45.7°C in the southwestern town of El Granado, according to Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET). The reading matched the previous September record set in Montoro in 2016, with both locations situated in the southern region of Andalusia.
Record September Heat Grips Southern Spain
Thursday’s peak temperature also stands as the highest recorded nationwide so far this year, driven by summer-like heat exceeding 40°C across large parts of the south and west. The extreme conditions triggered AEMET’s first-ever September red alerts for extreme heat since the Meteoalerta warning system launched in 2007. The maximum-level warnings covered the Sevillian countryside and the Morena and Condado areas of Jaén for temperatures hitting 44°C or higher.
Meanwhile, Seville-Tablada measured 45.1°C, matching the peak reading nationwide for the year that was previously documented during June in Andujar and Montoro. AEMET pointed out that reaching the year’s maximum temperature outside of July and August is an extremely unusual occurrence.
Pro tip: Officials continue issuing warnings regarding severe wildfire hazards across large parts of the mainland and the Balearic Islands, recommending that vulnerable residents and tourists steer clear of outdoor tasks during peak daytime hours.
Accelerating Warming and Climate Pressures
The unseasonal heat follows a string of exceptional summer heatwaves seared Europe. AEMET announced on Thursday that mainland Spain sweltered through its hottest January-August period on record, noting a clear difference compared to the four next highest readings for the period — which were the four previous years.
“It is an unmistakable sign that, in Spain, warming is accelerating,” said AEMET, which had already announced that July was the country’s joint-hottest month on record.
As drought and reduced river levels begin disrupting economic operations, Spain is pressing the European Commission to elevate climate adaptation into a primary economic and security focus. The nation contends that Europe can no longer depend solely on reactive strategies as severe weather events grow increasingly frequent and expensive, based on paperwork reviewed by Euronews.
Weather Divide and Weekend Storms
While the south and east continue to bake—including the Catalan meteorological agency (Meteocat) issuing a level three out of six danger warning for intense heat over the weekend—the weather pattern is shifting. An approaching DANA, an isolated high-altitude storm system, is set to split the country’s weather in two by the weekend, bringing intense convective storms and hail to northwest regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and parts of Castilla y Leon, specifically El Bierzo and Sanabria.
Did you know? An incoming high-altitude storm system known as a DANA is working alongside high pressure centered over North Africa to trigger the sudden arrival of warm, dry, dust-filled air.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the highest temperature recorded in Spain this September?
El Granado reached 45.7°C on Thursday, tying the national September heat record previously set in Montoro in 2016.
Why are these September red alerts significant?
According to AEMET, it is the first time such warnings had been sent in September since they started in 2007.
Is this extreme weather officially classified as a heatwave?
AEMET explicitly stated that the event will very likely not be formally classified as a heatwave, despite the extreme heat.
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