Spain records hottest and driest July since 1961

Spain experienced record-breaking weather conditions in July, with the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) reporting it as the hottest July since records began in 1961. The average temperature in mainland Spain reached 25.7°C, which is 2.6°C above the normal average. Additionally, July was the driest July on record, with precipitation totaling only 4.6 liters per square meter, representing just 26% of the normal value.

The extreme heat was particularly intense in the northern third of the peninsula, the Mediterranean area, and the Balearic Islands. In some regions, such as northern Navarra and Aragon, temperature anomalies exceeded 5°C.

These climatic extremes impact agricultural planning for August. Due to the heat and dry conditions, gardeners are advised to prepare soil, use mulch, and protect sensitive crops. August serves as a transition period to prepare for autumn, with opportunities to plant short-cycle vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and chard, as well as cold-weather crops like broccoli and cabbage, depending on regional microclimates.