Andorra Heatwave Breaks May Records at 33.1°C in Late May 2026

Andorra has experienced an exceptional heatwave in late May 2026, with temperatures breaking into the top historical rankings for the month across multiple stations monitored by Visual Meteo and the National Meteorological Service.

Data through 28 May show six days this month entering the top 10 highest maximum temperatures ever recorded in May. The standout event occurred at Borda Vidal station, where 33.1°C matched the all-time May record previously set in 2022. On 28 May, Escaldes reached 31.6°C, while Certes and Encamp both exceeded 30°C with 30.5°C and 30.3°C respectively.

The updated top 10 list is now dominated by recent readings: Escaldes leads with 32.8°C from 21 May 2022, followed by 32.3°C there the next day. Encamp holds third at 32.0°C on 30 May 2025, fourth at 31.9°C on 27 May 2026, and shares fifth with Escaldes at 31.6°C on 28 May. Other positions include Certes at 31.5°C (21 May 2022) and 31.2°C (27 May 2026), Escaldes at 31.1°C (27 May 2026), and Encamp at 30.9°C (26 May 2026).

Current anomalies stand at +4°C for minimums and up to +8°C for maximums compared to climate normals. At Cortinada station, six of the top 10 May highs have now occurred this year in near-consecutive fashion.

This follows the warmest April on record, accelerating snowmelt in the high mountains. Photographic comparisons from Coma d'Arcalís on similar dates in 2024, 2025, and 2026 reveal far less snow cover this year.

Weak, scattered precipitation formed over southern Andorra on 28 May, moving southward without significant accumulation. On 29 May, Roc de Sant Pere hit 32.3°C, the second-highest May reading there.

Forecasts indicate Friday as the heat peak, with maximums reaching 31°C in Andorra la Vella amid hazy conditions and a summery feel. Mornings will be clear, with possible isolated showers from convective clouds in the south during the afternoon. Winds will remain light from the northwest, minimums around 14°C in the capital, and the 0°C isotherm near 4,000-4,100m.

Temperatures ease slightly over the weekend—29°C Saturday, coinciding with Canòlich festivities, and 28°C Sunday—but remain well above late-May norms. Isolated showers or thunderstorms are possible Saturday afternoon in the south, increasing Sunday across wider areas. The heat dome affecting Europe has driven these unusually high values, with lower parishes seeing the peaks. Protection Civil urges checking on elderly or ill residents daily and calling 112 or 116 for heatstroke symptoms.