The winter of 2023-2024 recorded a notable positive thermal anomaly of 2.5ºC in the Canary Islands, surpassing the 1.9ºC increase on the Peninsula and the 1.7ºC in the Balearic Islands.
On a national level, this winter has been, together with that of 2019-2020, the warmest since 1961, the year when the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) began its series.
Additionally, the period between 1 December 2023 and 29 February 2024 experienced normal levels of precipitation, according to the state agency.
Temperature and Precipitation Data
- Highest Average Winter Temperatures: 19 main stations recorded the highest average winter temperatures ever.
- Daily Temperature Variation: The average daily maximum temperature was 2.0°C above normal, and the minimum was 1.7°C above average, resulting in a daily temperature variation of 0.3°C above the normal for the quarter.
- Precipitation: The average precipitation value over peninsular Spain was 170.5 litres per square metre (l/m²), representing 90% of the normal value for the quarter in the 1991-2020 reference period. This makes it the 27th driest winter since the series began in 1961 and the eleventh driest of the 21st century.
Regional Temperature Anomalies
- Valencian Community, Murcia, Catalonia, Southern Aragon, Eastern Castilla-La Mancha: Thermal anomalies close to +3°C.
- Rest of Peninsular Spain: Anomalies ranged between +1°C and +2°C, except in areas of western Castile and Leon, where they were between 0 and +1°C.
- Balearic Islands: Anomalies were between +1°C and +2°C.
- Canary Islands: Anomalies were around +2°C in the lowlands and around +3°C in higher altitudes.
This winter was extremely warm in the Mediterranean region and very warm in the rest of peninsular Spain. Similarly, it was very warm in the Balearic Islands and extremely warm in the Canary Islands.
Precipitation Variability
- Peninsular Spain: The winter was generally normal to wet, with exceptions in Levant, parts of Cantabria, Asturias, and southern Andalusia, where it was dry to very dry.
- Balearic Islands: Recorded 118.8 l/m², 66% of the usual value, making the winter dry, except on Majorca where it ranged from normal to dry.
- Canary Islands: Recorded 36.6 l/m², 28% of the usual value, indicating a very dry winter, with Lanzarote experiencing extremely dry conditions.
Warmest January in the Canary Islands Since 1961
- December 2023: Average temperature was 0.8ºC above the usual average.
- January 2024: Temperature was 2.4ºC above average, marking the warmest January since 1961.
- February 2024: Temperature was 2.5ºC above average, making it the third warmest February in the series.
In terms of rainfall:
- December 2023: Recorded 33.4 l/m², making it the tenth driest December since 1961.
- January 2024: Normal rainfall with an average of 59.9 l/m².
- February 2024: Wet conditions with an average of 69.6 l/m².
Notable Heat Waves
Heat waves were frequent, particularly from 21 January to 9 February and from 12 to 22 February, both characterized by maximum and minimum temperatures well above the usual values. Conversely, several cold episodes occurred, although none qualified as a cold snap.
Highest Rainfall Accumulations
- December: Highest accumulated rainfall was recorded in Vigo/airport (237.5 l/m²), Hondarribia/Malkarroa (236.9 l/m²), Santiago de Compostela/airport (231.7 l/m²), and Donostia/San Sebastián/Igueldo (215 l/m²).
- January: Highest accumulations were in Vigo/airport (227.2 l/m²), Santiago de Compostela/airport (217.2 l/m²), Puerto de Navacerrada (196.4 l/m²), and Hondarribia/Malkarroa (154 l/m²).
- February: Highest accumulations were in Pontevedra (298.6 l/m²), Vigo/airport (294 l/m²), Santiago de Compostela/airport (255.1 l/m²), and Hondarribia/Malkarroa (206.6 l/m²).
Outlook for Spring and Summer
AEMET forecasts a high probability of higher-than-normal temperatures for spring (April, May, June) across Spain, particularly in the extreme north, east, southwest Andalusia, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands may also experience a drier-than-normal spring, with the most likely scenario being a warmer and drier summer across Spain.
