Spain records highest May temperature in 75 years

Spain recorded its hottest May day on May 30, as the national average temperature exceeded 24°C (75°F) due to a hot air mass from North Africa. Some regions experienced temperatures over 10°C (18°F) above normal, marking the highest May temperature since records began in 1950.

2m temperature anomaly graphic for Spain. Credit: Tropical Tidbits

Image credit: Tropical Tidbits

On May 30, temperatures across Spain exceeded 24°C (75°F), breaking multiple monthly temperature records. A surge of warm air from North Africa raised temperatures up to 10°C (18°F) above average in several areas.

The national average temperature in Spain reached 24.08°C (75.34°F) on May 30, surpassing the previous May record of 23.73°C (74.71°F) set in 2022. This marks the highest average May temperature since records began in 1950.

Temperature record graph for 2025 Credit: AEMET
Temperature record graph for 2025 Credit: AEMET

Various locations across Spain broke their May temperature records on Friday. Rota Naval Base recorded 41°C (105.8°F), surpassing the previous record of 38°C (100.4°F) set in 2012. Jerez de la Frontera Airport recorded 39.4°C (102.9°F), exceeding the 38.2°C (100.8°F) record set in 2012.

Zaragoza Airport recorded 37.5°C (99.5°F) on May 30, surpassing the previous May record of 36.5°C (97.7°F) set in 2001.

Additionally, Foronda-Txokiza set a new wind speed record on May 30, recording a gust of 115 km/h (71 mph), exceeding the previous high of 104 km/h (65 mph) set in 2015.

2m temperature anomaly May 30–June 1, 2025. Credit: Tropical Tidbits

On Saturday, May 31, the national average temperature reached 23.91°C (75.04°F), making it the second-highest May temperature on record in Spain. Similar heat events occurred in 2015 and 2022.

Cáceres set a new May temperature record on May 31, reaching 37.1°C (98.78°F) and surpassing the previous record of 36.5°C (97.7°F) set in 2006.

Badajoz Airport recorded 39.2°C (102.56°F) on May 31, breaking the previous May record of 39°C (102.2°F) set on May 29.

An Atlantic front that entered Spain on June 2 is expected to bring relief from the heat. The system has introduced cloud cover and rainfall in the northern regions, displacing the hot air mass. Overcast skies and showers are forecast to spread gradually southward.

My passions include trying my best to save a dying planet, be it through carpooling or by spreading awareness about it. Research comes naturally to me, complemented by a keen interest in writing and journalism. Guided by a curious mind and a drive to look beyond the surface, I strive to bring thoughtful attention and clarity to subjects across Earth, sciences, environment, and everything in between.

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