Never has been so Hot in the Parts of Spain! All-time Record for Badajoz +45.5°C!

Southwestern Spain is experiencing an extraordinary and historic heatwave, with temperatures soaring to levels never before observed in many locations. On what will likely go down as one of the hottest days in the region’s recorded history, several stations in Andalusia and Extremadura posted staggering values, breaking long-standing records and pushing human endurance to the limit.

The standout figure came from Villanueva de las Cruces, where thermometers reached a blistering 45.7°C, as reported by Meteodiel. This reading marks one of the highest ever measured in Spain. Not far behind, Badajoz — a city accustomed to hot summers — shattered its all-time record with 45.5°C, surpassing all previous extremes. The Andalusian capital region also sweltered, with Sevilla-Tablada peaking at 45.2°C, and El Granado reaching 45.1°C, underscoring the widespread and intense nature of this heatwave.

Meteorologists note that such extreme temperatures are fueled by a combination of persistent high pressure over the Iberian Peninsula, warm air masses advected from North Africa, and exceptionally dry ground conditions that accelerate heating. While August heat in southern Spain is nothing unusual, the magnitude of this episode stands apart: the atmospheric setup has allowed for sustained highs above 45°C in multiple locations on the same day — an occurrence virtually unheard of.

The implications are severe. Heat stress risks are extremely high, prompting health advisories urging people to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated, and avoid direct sun during peak hours. Agriculture faces potential damage, with crops and livestock under strain, while wildfire risk is at critical levels. Urban areas, with their heat-retaining infrastructure, are particularly vulnerable to dangerous nighttime temperatures, preventing relief for residents.

This record-breaking heat is part of a larger European heatwave affecting parts of Portugal, France, and Italy, but Spain’s southwest appears to be the epicenter. Climate scientists warn that such extremes — once considered once-in-a-century events — are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in the context of global warming.

As forecasters monitor the situation, the immediate outlook offers little respite. Highs above 40°C are expected to persist in parts of Andalusia and Extremadura over the coming days. Emergency services remain on alert, and communities brace for what could be one of the defining climate events of the summer.

Source: https://x.com/Met4CastUK/status/1955281436547719605

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Badajoz