The heatwave that struck the Canary Islands from October 2 to 17, 2023, was exceptional due to its prolonged duration and the late dates on which it occurred, as highlighted in a report published by the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET).
Throughout the year 2023, the climate in Spain was characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation levels, with the average temperature over the Iberian Peninsula at 15.2°C, which was 1.3°C above the seasonal average (reference period 1991-2020). This marked it as the second warmest year since records began in 1961.
The spring season, spanning from March 1 to May 31, was notably warm, with mainland Spain experiencing an average temperature of 14.2°C, which was 1.8°C above the seasonal average and the warmest spring on record.
Summer (June 1 to August 31) was also hot, with an average temperature in peninsular Spain of 23.4°C, marking it as the third warmest summer since record-keeping began.
Autumn (September 1 to November 30) continued the trend, with an average temperature in mainland Spain of 16.3°C, making it the second warmest autumn on record.
The year was marked by several heatwaves, with four occurring on the Iberian Peninsula and the Balearic Islands and three in the Canary Islands. These heatwaves, particularly the one in October in the Canary Islands, were exceptional in their duration and timing.
Despite the warmth, the year 2023 also saw below-average precipitation levels, with an average of 536.6 mm of precipitation in peninsular Spain, representing 84% of the normal value for the reference period 1991-2020. This made it the sixth driest year since 1961.
Overall, the climate in 2023 was characterized by high temperatures, a lack of precipitation, and notable heatwaves, making it an exceptional year in terms of weather patterns in Spain.
