The Canary Islands experienced temperatures in November that have shattered previous records, far exceeding the national average in Spain. Traditionally known as one of the wettest months of the year, November turned out to be “exceptionally warm and dry”.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) confirmed that this year's November was unlike any other on record, with temperatures reaching extreme levels.
In La Aldea de San Nicolás in Gran Canaria, temperatures soared to 32°C on Saturday (November 30th, while La Graciosa recorded 30°C on Sunday. This warm spell extended across Spain, with other notable readings including 29°C in Coín, Málaga, and 24°C at Bilbao Airport.
Nationally, November 2024 was declared the warmest since records began, with an average temperature of 12.4°C, exceeding the 1991–2020 baseline by 2.8°C and surpassing the previous record set in November 1983 by 0.5°C.
Despite early heavy rainfall on the east coast due to a Dana storm, total precipitation for the month was 40% below average. Preliminary data from AEMET suggests that rainfall may end up being only half of what is typical for November.
The Canary Islands stood out as the hottest area in Spain during the month, highlighting the region's vulnerability to climatic anomalies. While November is typically associated with cooling temperatures and significant rainfall, this year's warm and dry conditions emphasize the increasing influence of global climate change.
With temperatures and weather patterns deviating from historical norms, these records serve as a stark indicator of the broader environmental shifts underway.
