OPINION: Climate change in Spain is real – get over it!

‘It normally gets hot in Spain in the summer, yet again global warming rubbish!’

This is just one of hundreds of similar comments made under a Spanish Eye report about 40C warnings in May.

‘This is normal’, says another, while one writes: ‘Summer’s here then like every year!’

Well, no, summer doesn’t start until June 21, and after living here for a decade, I can tell you 40c+ in May is NOT normal.

The majority of such remarks are typically made by the over 50s, some of whom seem to refuse to accept that global warming is happening.

Well, I’m sorry to inform you that the facts are undeniable.

Spain has gotten significantly hotter over the past 50 years, in line with broader global warming trends, but with some regional specifics that make it particularly concerning.

According to Aemet, average annual temperatures in Spain have risen by about 1.5C to 2C since the 1970s. That’s a seismic shift in climate terms

More worryingly, this is above the global average increase of around 1.1C over the same period, suggesting Spain is warming faster than many other regions.

Additionally, the number of days of extreme heat has surged significantly.

You might be tempted to scoff and say, ‘it’s always been hot in August.’ Sure. But we’ve just had the hottest May on record, where temperatures surpassed 40C in the south and 30C in other areas.

Heatwaves are becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense, especially in inland and southern regions like Andalucia and Extremadura.

Between 1971 and 2000 there was an average of 21 heatwave days per year. Between 2010 and 2020, there were 41, almost double.

Minimum temperatures (especially in summer) have also risen, making nights hotter and increasing discomfort and health risks.

Meanwhile, rising temperatures combined with reduced rainfall in many areas are accelerating desertification.

Southern and southeastern Spain are particularly affected, with more frequent and severe droughts.

Elsewhere, cities like Madrid and Barcelona are experiencing stronger warming trends due to urbanisation, which traps heat more than rural areas.

By the end of this century, if current trends continue, Spain could warm by up to 5C in summer, with drastic implications for agriculture, water availability, health, and ecosystems.

So please, spare me your ‘it’s normal’ comments. Climate change is real, get over it!