Mediterranean regions record historic heatwaves and temperature extremes

The summer of 2026 has set unprecedented heat records across much of the Mediterranean, particularly in Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. In Catalonia, the meteorological summer (June–August) was the warmest on record, with average temperatures exceeding the 1991–2020 baseline by more than 3.0 °C in over 80% of the territory. Notable extremes include 59 torrid nights in Barcelona and 15 days with temperatures exceeding 40 °C in Lleida.

In the Balearic Islands, August 2026 became the hottest August since records began in 1961, with Mallorca recording a peak temperature of 41.9 °C in Pollença. The region also experienced a significant drought, with rainfall 58% below normal in Mallorca.

Andorra is also facing extreme conditions, with forecasts suggesting early September may see temperatures reaching 35 °C, potentially breaking historical September records due to an influx of warm air from North Africa. Meanwhile, in Cantabria, August was the third warmest on record, characterized by both high temperatures and dry conditions.