Spain's record-breaking 'little summer' of San Martín defies November chill

11/17/23, 8:53 AM By Costas News National Photo Credit: Stock Image

In an unprecedented meteorological anomaly, Spain is experiencing its hottest 'little summer' of San Martín since 1950, with temperatures soaring to levels not seen in at least 70 years. The scorching heatwave, characterized by "unusually high" temperatures for this time of year, is poised to shatter records over the weekend, according to forecasts from the country's state weather agency, AEMET.

AEMET spokesperson, Rubén del Campo, confirmed that mainland Spain witnessed the warmest November 11th, 12th, 13th, and 14th since 1950. He predicts that the heatwave will persist until the end of the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday anticipated to see another surge in temperatures to 5 and 10 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm.

For today (Friday) and the weekend, AEMET predicts an anticyclonic weather pattern, with fog banks in many inland areas and along the coast during the early hours. While temperatures may drop in the northeast today, the rest of the country is expected to experience a rise.

Del Campo emphasized that tomorrow and Sunday will be exceptionally warm, particularly in Andalucía, Valencia, Murcia, and surrounding areas, where temperatures are projected to exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

However, a weather shift is anticipated from Monday onwards. AEMET expects a change in the atmospheric situation, characterized by a clash between the high pressure from the Atlantic and low pressure centred in the Mediterranean. This clash will usher in cold air, with a corridor of northerly winds causing a "notable" drop in temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, eventually returning them to normal for this season.

Despite the expected chill, the forecast indicates a dry spell, with no rain anticipated except in the far north and the Balearic Islands. The Spanish population, accustomed to November's chill, is bracing for the whiplash transition from an unseasonably warm 'little summer' to more typical autumn temperatures.