Spain Breaks 65-Year Heat Record with 900 Deaths in First Half of 2026

According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency (AEMET), the first half of 2026 has been the hottest six months in the past 65 years. During this period, temperatures were 1.6 degrees above normal, making it the hottest first six months since meteorological records began in 1961.AEMET stated that June was "extraordinarily hot" with average temperatures 3.2 degrees above normal. It was noted that all 13 of the hottest Junes in Spain since 1961 have occurred in the 21st century.The extreme heat has had a significant impact on public health. The "MoMo" system in Spain, which monitors daily deaths from all causes, estimated that around 900 deaths in June were likely due to high temperatures. More than 600 of these deaths occurred during a heatwave that affected much of the country in the latter part of the month.