The month of April 2026 has consolidated itself as the warmest period recorded since systematic temperature measurements have existed in Catalonia. The Meteorological Institute of Catalonia has made public a historical fact that places this period ahead of any previous record, definitively surpassing the thermal limits known until now.
The official balance reveals that in 106 of the 122 analyzed stations, the expected monthly average has been exceeded. At the Fabra Observatory in Barcelona, the average temperature has reached 17.4 degrees Celsius, a figure that exceeds the threshold set in April 2023 by 1.3 °C and constitutes an absolute record since 1914. The data from Barcelona have even been above the usual average for the month of May.
Extreme anomalies at multiple points in the territory
The heat has generated significant deviations from normal values in numerous points of the Catalan geography. In many observatories, the temperature anomaly has exceeded +4 °C. The list of municipalities with outstanding records includes localities as diverse as Cantonigròs in Osona or Molló in Ripollès. Berguedà also presents high values at the Santuario de Queralt, while in Osona the data from Malniu is confirmed. Alta Ribagorza is not excluded with its Boí station and Vallès Oriental shows an anomaly of +4.7 °C in Puig Sesolles.
"dry" or "very dry", "a very persistent synoptic configuration" - Meteorological Institute of Catalonia
The meteorological entity attributes this heatwave to the presence of a mass of warm air over Catalan territory. This phenomenon is explained by persistent high-pressure conditions that have blocked the entry of cold air. Simultaneously, a marked undulation of the jet stream driven by the west wind has occurred. These disturbances have facilitated the arrival of warm air towards the Mediterranean zone.
"persistent anticyclone conditions" - Meteorological Institute of Catalonia
The absence of precipitation has been a generalized constant except in Pyrenean areas. This drought originated from the distribution of atmospheric pressures. Low-pressure areas in the eastern Atlantic and at the latitude of the Iberian Peninsula, along with an anticyclonic ridge in the Mediterranean, have prevented the formation of abundant rainfall.
Impact on Snow and Forecast for May
The high temperatures have notably accelerated the thawing process in the mountains.
Many of the Pyrenean streams are currently flowing with moderate volume, but this decrease is not due to rain but to the gradual disappearance of accumulated snow. In the Pyrenees, normal rainfall has been recorded, including episodes of intense showers and hail. Forecasts for next month point to an average May, while the coming weeks could bring more rain than has been recorded this spring.