The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) reported that the meteorological spring of 2023 in Spain was the warmest on record since climate statistics began in the country. According to the Aemet report, this season was characterized by an unusually early heat wave in April and was also the second driest in history.
The average temperature during the spring of 2023 was 14.2 °C, almost 2 degrees higher than normal, making it the warmest spring since records began in 1961. This extremely warm spring surpassed the previous record set in 1997.
In addition, this spring was also the second-driest on record in Spain, second only to 1995. Although there were abundant rains at the end of May, they were not enough to alleviate the chronic drought affecting the country. Reservoirs, which store rainwater for the drier months, are currently below 50% of their capacity.
The lack of water has led many farmers to forgo spring planting, especially of cereals and oilseeds. Spain has experienced an increase in heat waves and a decrease in rainfall, which has led to a worrying situation in terms of climate change.
The report also mentions that 2022 was the warmest year on record since at least 1916, with numerous record-breaking hot days. Although the summer of 2023 is unlikely to be as hot as the previous year, it is expected to be above average across the country, especially in the eastern half and archipelagos.
These data highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and taking measures to mitigate its impacts in Spain and worldwide. It is necessary to implement adaptation strategies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid an increasingly hotter and drier future.