Tourists months could be lost in Spain because of extreme heat, warns meteorologist

Key tourist summer months could be lost in Spain thanks to becoming more and more frequent. Last year Spain recorded their warmest year on record with soaring temperatures exceeding historical records, hitting the country's most popular coastal destinations.

The increase in temperatures is a direct result of climate change, this has led to more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as an increased risk of wildfires due to dry conditions. could see temperatures increase by five-seven degrees by 2100 and three-four degrees in the winter, according to the . Whilst most in the summer months for the sun, concerns are being raised that soon the summer months will experience heat that is too intense.

Such conditions could also discourage tourists or push up air-conditioning costs for hotels

As a country that relies heavily on tourism this is an extreme headache for Spain as if tourist months were lost it would result in a decline in spending for the country ultimately causing hotels, restaurants and bars to lose trade.

Spanish meteorologist Dr. Mario Picazo believes Spain is a "particularly vulnerable country" with "the Mediterranean region" at the highest risk. Parts of the Mediterranean coast experience some of the hottest temperatures in the country and even in Europe, particularly during the summer months. These areas are known for their hot, dry summers and mild winters.

In 2021, the highest temperature ever recorded in Spain was 47.6C (117.7°F) in La Rambla.

Mr Picazo says Spain is already experiencing extreme weather.

He said: "You've noticed it in Mallorca: increasingly torrid and tropical summers. There's been rainfall like Valencia or Mallorca seven years ago.

"We are a country moving towards desertification with soil degradation. The Mediterranean is the sea that is warming the most in the world."

was rocked by flash , with harrowing videos on social media showing entire streets turned into rivers.

, the country's state weather agency, issued a red alert for the eastern Valencia region with the second-highest level of alert put in place for parts of Andalusia in the south.

In 2023 Spain recorded 8,352 heat-related deaths, making it the second-highest number in Europe, after Italy.

Mr Picazo added: "Heat is already one of the main causes of death related to extreme weather, and it will become increasingly common.

"This is also very serious for Spain because the economy depends heavily on tourism. There are months that could be lost from the calendar.

"We are vulnerable, and the impact on agriculture will also be enormous."