FIVE people have died in northern Spain after a record-breaking heatwave pushed temperatures to unusually high levels for May.
The deaths in Cantabria, recorded by Carlos III Health Centre between May 23 and May 27, have been linked to extreme temperatures through the institute’s MoMo mortality monitoring system, which tracks excess deaths associated with events such as heatwaves.
The figures come as Cantabria experiences what meteorologists have described as an unprecedented spell of heat for this time of year.
According to MoMo data, one heat-related death was recorded on each of the five days between May 23 and 27.
The unusually early heatwave has shattered temperature records across the normally mild northern region.
At Santander’s Seve Ballesteros Airport, temperatures surged past 36C earlier this week, with the station recording 35C the following day – figures more commonly associated with the height of summer.
The extreme conditions prompted Cantabria’s regional government to activate its highest health alert level for heat across much of the region, including coastal areas and inland valleys.
Officials urged residents – particularly the elderly, young children and people with underlying health conditions – to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and remain hydrated.
The heatwave has also sparked wider concern about the growing impact of extreme temperatures in Spain.
The Carlos III Health Centre estimated that more than 27,000 deaths in Spain have been linked to high temperatures since 2015, with older people accounting for the vast majority of cases.
Meanwhile, Spain’s state weather agency (AEMET) has described the recent episode in Cantabria as historic, noting that the region has never previously recorded so many consecutive days of extreme heat during the month of May.
Health authorities continue to monitor the situation as temperatures begin to ease, although experts warn that increasingly early and intense heatwaves are becoming more common across Spain due to climate change.
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