Spain poised to overcome prolonged drought

Wednesday 12 March 2025 - 15:15

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain poised to overcome prolonged drought

A prolonged drought that has severely impacted Spain since 2021 might be nearing its end, according to the national weather agency AEMET. With recent heavy rainfall, the possibility of returning to normal precipitation levels has sparked optimism among officials and citizens alike.

During a press conference, AEMET spokesman Ruben del Campo stated that when evaluating yearly precipitation figures, it becomes evident that Spain cannot currently be classified as experiencing drought conditions. However, a long-term analysis that considers the last three years indicates that rainfall remains below average in many areas, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.

Del Campo noted the significant rainfall received in March, suggesting it could potentially alter the long-standing drought conditions. He expressed confidence that Spain might see a reversal of the drought status by the end of the month, contingent on continued precipitation.

In the first nine days of March alone, Spain received an amount of rain typically expected over the course of an entire month. This surge follows what was recorded as the wettest October in Spain's history, leading to catastrophic flooding in the eastern Valencia region, which tragically resulted in 232 fatalities.

Experts warn that climate change, primarily driven by human activities, is exacerbating the severity and frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. As Spain navigates these environmental challenges, the recent rainfall offers a glimmer of hope for recovery from its prolonged dry spell.