Spain records warmest first half of the year since measurements began – over 1,000 suspected heat deaths in June

Madrid – 01.07.2026: Spain, according to preliminary analyses by the national weather agency AEMET, experienced the warmest first half of the year since the start of the observation series. From January to June 2026, average temperatures nationwide were well above the long-term mean; AEMET quantifies the positive anomaly in initial statements at around 1.6 degrees Celsius compared with the reference period. The agency describes an unusually mild and dry sequence of several episodes with very high daytime and nighttime temperatures, which in many places contributed to new local records.

Madrid – 01.07.2026: At the same time, health authorities report tangible impacts on the population. The Instituto de Salud Carlos III recorded, as part of the MoMo mortality monitoring system, at least 1,028 deaths for June 2026 that are statistically associated with heat events. These are preliminary, model-based estimates that do not fully capture regional differences and may be adjusted after validation. Those affected are primarily older people, persons with heart, circulatory or respiratory diseases, and workers who perform outdoor work.

Madrid – 01.07.2026: Particularly high strains were reported from urban agglomerations and from southwestern provinces, where consecutive hot days and tropical nights made recovery difficult. Municipalities activated heat protection plans with expanded health advice, longer opening hours for air-conditioned public spaces and additional support services for elderly people living alone. Labor and social authorities reminded the public of existing workplace heat-protection rules, such as adjusted working hours, shading and adequate drinking water supply.

Madrid – 01.07.2026: Experts place the measurements in longer-term trends. Recurring and more intense heat periods increase the risk of excess mortality, impair air quality and place burdens on energy and water systems. AEMET announces a detailed climate assessment that will evaluate the frequency, duration and intensity of the recent heatwaves. At the same time, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III is examining at the provincial level how housing conditions, greening, access to cooling and medical care affect health vulnerability.

Madrid – 01.07.2026: Authorities advise the public to avoid midday heat, drink regularly, reduce physical exertion, cool indoor spaces and look out for vulnerable people in their surroundings. Pharmacies, emergency services and municipalities provide hotline information and guidance on warning levels. For the coming weeks, services are preparing regional situation reports to steer measures more precisely and to assess the effectiveness of prevention plans. Final climate assessments and mortality analyses will be published after validations are completed.