Spain's December Surprises with Unbelievable Heat
Spain's current weather conditions are shaking up assumptions. With temperatures nearing 30 degrees, December heatwaves are causing a stir. Malaga even hit a new December record of 29.9 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous high of 29.4 degrees set in Granada in 2010.
On Monday, Spain's warmth continued, with Valencia setting a new temperature record of 27.7 degrees. The country's resilience has been tested with a persistent drought, especially in Catalonia, which hasn't seen rain in months. This has resulted in a water emergency declaration in Barcelona, restricting water usage to 210 liters per person per day.
Aemet, Spain's national weather service, attributes these extreme temperatures to climate changes worldwide and in Spain, making such temperatures "much less likely" without these changes. Over the past ten years, heat waves have tripled in Spain, matching the rising global trend.
This year has pushed the boundaries, with Spain experiencing its hottest and driest spring for decades. Temperatures reached over 40 degrees, augmenting the ongoing drought. Rainfall has become irregular and less frequent, often heavy but localized, sometimes causing more harm than good.
Further Reading
Spain's Christmas spirit shines despite the scorching heat. Traditional holiday celebrations look forward to a break from the unseasonable warmth. Unfortunately, rainfall shortages in Catalonia have led to a water emergency in Barcelona, affecting water usage.
Background
The climatic conditions causing this weather anomaly can be attributed to a variety of factors:
- Mediterranean Climate: Spain's southern regions, like Malaga, are characterized by a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa). This climate makes the regions prone to heatwaves and droughts due to their dry summer months and winter rainfall scarcity.
- Climate Change: Global warming impacts countries like Spain, making extreme weather conditions more likely.
- Regional Precipitation Patterns: Southern Spain is typically drier, with regions like Catalonia receiving less than 156mm (6.1 inches) of rainfall annually.
- Seasonal Variability: The region experiences a significant decrease in rainfall during the summer, contributing to persistent drought conditions.
- Local Weather Patterns: Factors like the Levante winds and Saharan dust influence local temperatures and weather, heightening the climate's susceptibility to heatwaves.
- Water Management: Effective water management during this drought emergency in Catalonia is crucial to alleviate shortages and manage water usage.
Spain's once-predictable climate now holds unexpected surprises like December heatwaves and persistent droughts. These climatic changes can modify the way people approach the country's festivals, making adjustments to ensure that holiday traditions can still be enjoyed safely and sustainably.
