Overview of Spring 2026
Spring 2026 in Spain was unusually warm and dry. From March 1 to May 31 the average temperature on the mainland was 14.0 °C, which is 1.6 °C above the long‑term normal (1991‑2020). This makes it the second warmest spring since records began in 1961, only beaten by spring 2023.
Temperature Highlights
- April was the warmest April ever recorded, with many areas seeing averages nearly 4 °C above normal.
- May started cool but turned hot after a strong heatwave from the 19th onward, pushing temperatures more than 6 °C above normal for the rest of the month.
- The highest spring temperatures were 40.5 °C at Seville Airport and 39.5 °C at Córdoba Airport on May 31.
- At 16 stations the record for the highest spring temperature was broken.
- The coldest spring readings were -7.5 °C at Puerto de Navacerrada (March 29) and -6.1 °C at Molina de Aragón (March 30).
Rainfall Summary
- Mainland Spain received only 134 mm of rain, which is 75 % of the normal amount.
- This makes spring 2026 the 14th driest since 1961 and the 7th driest of the 21st century (tied with 2014).
- In contrast, the Canary Islands experienced their wettest spring on record.
- March rainfall was near normal, April was very dry, and May stayed dry.
What Made It So Warm?
Heat Waves
Two notable warm spells dominated the season:
- April 3‑11 and April 15‑May 2 brought temperatures well above average.
- The most intense period ran from May 19 to the end of the month, when the whole mainland saw temperatures more than 6 °C above normal.
Record‑Breaking Stations
Nineteen stations in the main meteorological network recorded their highest ever spring average temperature. These records help show how widespread the heat was.
Outlook for Summer
Expected Temperatures
Forecasts indicate a high chance of above‑normal temperatures for the meteorological summer (June‑August). For the period that matches the astronomical summer (July‑September) there is over a 70 % probability of warmer‑than‑normal conditions across most of the mainland and the Balearic Islands. In the south‑west and the Canary Islands the probability drops to 60‑70 %.
Rainfall Chances
Rainfall predictions are less certain, but there is a 40‑50 % chance of wetter‑than‑normal conditions for much of the country. The eastern Canary Islands and the south‑east mainland have a slightly higher likelihood of 50‑60 %. This increase is linked to a possible rise in stormy spells.
Conclusion
Spring 2026 stood out as one of the warmest and driest seasons in recent Spanish history, driven by strong heat waves in April and May. While the mainland sweltered, the Canary Islands bucked the trend with abundant rain. Looking ahead, summer is likely to stay hot, with a decent chance of extra rainfall in some areas. Staying informed and prepared will help everyone cope with the continuing heat.
Reference: Source
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