Spain has recorded its highest September temperature since records began — 45.7°C. This figure was recorded in the town of El Granado in Andalusia. It equalled the 2016 record set in Montoro. According to AEMET, the period from January to August 2026 was the hottest in the country’s history, whilst the MoMo system estimates the number of deaths linked to this year’s high temperatures at over 5,200.
Briefly about the main points
- In Spain, the temperature reached 45.7°C in September.
- The record was set in El Granado, in Andalusia.
- The last time this figure was recorded was in September 2016.
- January–August 2026 was the hottest such period in Spain’s history.
- In 2026, more than 5,200 deaths are statistically linked to high temperatures.
- AEMET reports that global warming is accelerating in the country.
In Andalusia, the temperature rose to 45.7°C
On 3 September, Spain equalled the all-time temperature record for the first month of autumn.
According to the Spanish State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), in the city of El Granado in the province of Huelva the maximum temperature was 45.7°C. This is also the highest figure recorded in the country since the start of 2026.
The previous record for September was the same — 45.7°C. It was recorded in 2016 in Montoro, which is also situated in Andalusia.
On the same day, the temperature in Seville reached 45.1°C, in Fuentes de Andalucía it was 44.7°C, and in Andújar and Fuencaliente it was 44.5°C.
2026 is set to be Spain’s hottest year yet
AEMET has reported that The period from January to August 2026 was the warmest on record since meteorological observations began in Spain.
Moreover, the difference compared with previous record-breaking years was striking. The next four highest figures also occurred over the last four years.
The meteorological agency described this as a clear sign that Global warming in Spain is accelerating.
July 2026 was also one of the hottest months on record.
More than 5,000 deaths have been linked to high temperatures
The extreme heat is already having serious consequences for public health.
According to data from the Spanish mortality monitoring system, MoMo, in 2026 5,232 deaths are statistically linked to the effects of high temperatures. This is the highest figure since the system was launched in 2015.
In August alone, the number of such deaths was provisionally estimated at approximately 2,147–2,149 cases.
It is important to note that MoMo does not merely count cases where heat is explicitly stated in the medical certificate as the cause of death. The system assesses excess mortality statistically associated with temperature.
The elderly were the hardest hit: of the 5,232 estimated deaths, 5,048 were among people aged 65 and over.
A heatwave has swept across the south and west of the country
In early September, temperatures above 40°C were recorded across much of southern and western Spain.
Abnormal hot weather continued the series of extreme heatwaves that have affected not only Spain but also other European countries this summer.
The high temperatures were accompanied by droughts, falling river levels and an increased risk of large-scale wildfires.
Spain warns of accelerating climate change
The Spanish authorities are increasingly calling on the European Union to view adaptation to climate change not only as an environmental issue, but also as economic and security issues.
In Madrid, it is believed that, due to the increasingly frequent heatwaves, droughts and wildfires, Europe can no longer rely solely on responding to natural disasters.
A new September record in 45.7°C proved yet again that extreme heat in Spain is increasingly extending beyond the traditional summer season.
