Jaén now leads Spain for highest average temperatures in June and July. The province faces a sharp rise in extreme heat days, prompting new local measures. Residents and workers adapt as health risks and disruptions grow.
Jaén has emerged as the Spanish province with the highest average temperatures this summer, according to the Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (Aemet). In June, the province recorded an average of 26.9°C, rising to 29.2°C in July. The city of Andújar, located in Jaén, registered the country’s highest readings, with temperatures exceeding 43°C and even surpassing 45°C during June. This persistent heat has led local business owners to refer to Jaén as “the frying pan or oven of Andalucía.”
The impact of these extreme conditions is visible in daily life. Residents like Juana López Martínez, 42, have turned to shopping centres as makeshift climate shelters to escape the relentless heat. The situation is not isolated: Andalucía as a whole ended July with an average temperature of 28°C, making it one of the hottest Julys since 1961. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves have increased notably in recent decades, a trend attributed to climate change.
Forecasts suggest the problem will intensify. Projections indicate a sharp rise in the number of days above 40°C, especially in the Guadalquivir valley. Jaén could see more than 30 days each year with temperatures over 40°C by mid-century. In response, local councils are expanding the network of climate shelters to protect vulnerable groups. The surge in extreme heat is also disrupting work routines, particularly in construction, where unions are calling for earlier start times and shorter shifts to safeguard workers’ health.
Authorities are taking further steps to mitigate the effects. The Andalusian Plan for the Prevention of the Effects of Excessive Temperatures recommends reinforcing urban environments with more green spaces, shaded areas, and access to drinking water. These measures aim to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Spain’s struggle with extreme heat is not limited to Jaén. Other regions have also faced record-breaking temperatures, as seen recently in Valencia, where nighttime minimums soared above 30°C. For example, Valencia experienced its hottest night on record, highlighting the broader national challenge posed by rising temperatures.
Heatwaves in Spain have become more frequent and severe over the past two decades. According to Aemet, the number of days with extreme heat has doubled in some areas since the 1980s. The World Health Organization warns that prolonged exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of dehydration, heatstroke, and cardiovascular problems, especially among the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Spanish cities are increasingly investing in urban cooling strategies, such as planting trees and installing public water fountains, to help residents cope. The government continues to monitor the situation and may introduce further measures if current trends persist.
