elDiario.es has updated its interactive map of temperature anomalies in Spain with data as at 12 noon on 19 August 2026. The analysis, based on measurements from Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), shows clearly positive deviations in many Provinzen from the most recent daily high temperatures compared with the 1981–2010 reference period . The key finding: in many places, the highs over the past 24 hours were several degrees above the long-term average; the course of the year’s maximum temperatures so far is also shown in relation to the historical norm.
The visualisation combines three indicators: first, the difference between the highest temperature recorded in the past 24 hours and the historical norm; second, the deviation of the average daily highs so far this year from that reference; and third, the number of days since the last monthly or all-time record at the stations included. elDiario.es draws on AEMET time series dating back to 1950 at some stations, or to the first year for which data are available at others, and describes its method for counting the intervals between records as modelled on the system used by The Pudding . Results for each province are based on a centrally located station; the editorial notes stress that individual extreme readings need to be validated by AEMET.
According to the available indicators, positive anomalies predominate, particularly in parts of the country experiencing a prolonged heatwave in August. Regional differences remain pronounced and depend on location, station elevation and local weather conditions. The map is therefore a snapshot of deviations across the station network and an indication of the cumulative heat burden in the Summer 2026.
In historical context, the update confirms that the national high remains unchanged at 47.6°C, recorded on 14 August 2021 in La Rambla (province of Córdoba). While monthly or station records were reached at individual stations in 2026, final recognition of records remains the responsibility of AEMET. elDiario.es refers to the authority’s official review and confirmation procedures.
Context and implications: the combined indicators give local authorities, health services and the public a concise picture of the heat situation. Their reliability and comparability depend on how representative each province’s station is and on the quality control of the measurement series. The deviations observed in summer 2026 fit into Spain’s longer-term warming trend and increase pressure to adapt infrastructure and preparedness measures – from heat action plans to urban planning.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).