New temperatures reaching highest-ever marks for the month of May in Spain.
Spain Endures Soaring Temperatures in Late May, Breaking Heat Records
Hundreds of Portuguese cities have reached near-40 degree temperatures in the shade, shattering last-minute May heat records, according to the Spanish meteorological agency, Aemet. temperatures ranged from 35 to 39 degrees on Thursday, marking a significant leap in temperatures even for early summer.
Scientists attribute the elevated frequency and early onset of extreme heat events to human-induced climate change. On Thursday, Aemet issued an orange alert for heat across southern Spain, particularly in Andalusia, signifying "major health risks" for the elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems.
The heatwave, currently expected to persist until Sunday, may also bring severe hailstorms and gusty winds to the northern regions of the country. However, temperatures on popular tourist destinations such as Mallorca and the Canary Islands remain relatively mild at 28 and 25 degrees respectively.
As early heatwaves become more common, Spain is bracing for continued intense heat, particularly in the south. In May 2025, peak temperatures are anticipated to reach around 40°C across Andalusia, potentially setting new May heat records for the region.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
The elevated temperatures in Spain and Portugal are linked to climate-change, a rising concern in environmental-science. Aemet's orange alert for heat indicates major health risks, especially for the vulnerable populations, as scientists predict more frequent and severe heatwaves due to human-induced climate change.
