Spain records deadliest May for heat since records began in 2015

Spain recorded its highest number of heat-related deaths ever for the month of May this year, with 101 fatalities linked to high temperatures, according to estimates published Wednesday by the Health Ministry. The figure is the highest for May since records began in 2015 and is 3.6 times higher than the average number of heat-related deaths recorded during the month over the past decade. A late-May heatwave brought record temperatures to 23 Spanish provinces, according to the national meteorological agency AEMET, which also noted that parts of the Mediterranean and Cantabrian seas recorded their warmest May temperatures on record.

Heat prevention plan

The mortality data was released as Spain launched its 2026 national heat prevention plan, which aims to reduce illness and deaths associated with extreme temperatures. The Health Ministry estimated that 27,564 people died from causes linked to high temperatures between 2015 and 2025, with the deadliest year being 2022 (4,789 deaths) followed by 2025 (3,832). Health authorities warned that the risk of death rises by between 9.1% and 10.7% for every degree Celsius above health-risk thresholds. People over 75 remain the most vulnerable, along with young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

Summer forecast

AEMET forecasts a high probability of hotter-than-average temperatures in June, July, and August across Spain, particularly in the north, along the Mediterranean coast, and in the Balearic Islands.