Spain's September Temperatures Near 46C

Spain is being hit by unusually high temperatures in September, following a series of summer heat waves. In the southwestern city of El Granado, the Spanish State Meteorological Agency recorded a temperature of 45.7C, the highest recorded in the country this year and matching the previous September record set in 2016.

According to meteorologists, Spain experienced its hottest period from January through August in recorded history, well ahead of the records set over the past four years. July had already been declared the hottest month on record in the country.

Extreme weather has serious consequences. The Spanish institute of public health has recorded nearly 4,500 heat-related deaths since 1 June. Drought and low river levels are disrupting economic activity.

Given the increasing frequency and cost of extreme weather, the country is urging the European Commission to make adaptation to climate change a key economic and security priority for the European Union, as reactive measures are no longer sufficient.

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