Andorra Logs Six Top-10 May Heat Records in 2026 Amid Heat Dome

Andorra has recorded six days in May 2026 ranking among the top 10 highest temperatures ever measured in the month across the National Meteorological Service's network of stations, with anomalies reaching up to +8°C above maximum norms and +4°C for minima.

The heatwave peaked on Thursday, 28 May, when the Borda Vidal station equalled its all-time May record of 33.1°C, matching the figure from May 2022. Escaldes led Thursday's readings at 31.6°C, followed by Certes at 30.5°C and Encamp at 30.3°C. These results have reshaped historical rankings: Encamp holds fourth place with 31.9°C from 27 May, while fifth is shared by Encamp (22 May) and Escaldes (28 May), both at 31.6°C. Certes follows at seventh (31.5°C on 21 May 2022) and eighth (31.2°C on 27 May), with Escaldes ninth (31.1°C on 27 May) and Encamp tenth (30.9°C on 26 May). At La Cortinada station, six of the top 10 May highs occurred this year in near-consecutive fashion.

A persistent high-pressure system, described as a heat dome over Europe, has trapped warm air across the Principat, producing summer-like conditions unusual for late May in a mountain nation. Lower parishes saw the strongest effects, with temperatures exceeding 30°C at multiple stations between 864m and 1,225m elevation on 27 May, including 31.1°C at Roc de Sant Pere (1,113m) and Margineda-FEDA (950m), 30.9°C at Borda Vidal, and 30.2°C at La Comella.

Friday is forecast as the week's hottest day, with highs of 31°C in Andorra la Vella amid hazy conditions and a stifling feel. Clear skies will dominate the morning, giving way to convective clouds in the south that may bring isolated light showers. Winds will remain light from the northwest, with minima around 14°C in the capital. Highs at 1,500m are expected at 26°C and 14°C at Pas de la Casa.

The heat will ease slightly over the weekend, dropping to 29°C on Saturday—coinciding with Canòlich festivities—and 28°C on Sunday, though still well above May norms. Scattered showers or thunderstorms are possible in the south both days, with the zero-degree isotherm around 4,000m indicating lingering warm air aloft. Protection Civil urges checking on elderly or ill residents living alone daily, and calling 112 or 116 for heatstroke symptoms while moving affected individuals to shade or cool areas.