Andorra's Third-Warmest August on Record Hits 21.4°C Amid Heatwaves and Storms

August 2026 ranked as Andorra's third-warmest August since records began in 1950, trailing only 2023 and 2024, with an average temperature of 21.4°C at the FEDA hydroelectric plant—2.2°C above the long-term average. The month also delivered exceptionally high rainfall, exceeding twice the normal amount in several locations.

Meteorologist Guillem Martín of the Servei Meteorològic described the period as "very humid," noting a precipitation anomaly of 208% at FEDA, where 154 mm fell—more than 190% of the typical figure for the month. While this marked one of the wettest Augusts in recent memory, it did not surpass the all-time record of 201 mm set in 1946. More rain fell in 2014 (158 mm) and 2022 (145 mm) than in 2026.

Early August saw persistent heat, with anomalies exceeding +3°C on 11 of the first 20 days. Temperatures surpassed 25°C on 26 days, compared to the usual 19, and exceeded 30°C on 10 days—twice the average. The peak reached 35.4°C at Borda Vidal, 864 metres above sea level, on 13 August, while the lowest reading was 3.1°C in Fonts d’Arinsal, at 2,681 metres, on 27 August.

A heatwave from late July into early August—the year's fifth—concluded on 2 August, with no further episodes. Later shifts brought thunderstorms, hail, and cooler conditions. No frost occurred at any station, continuing a pattern seen since 2023.

Precipitation totals averaged 118.3 mm across stations but varied sharply, from 201 mm at Borda Vidal—where four events contributed 146 mm—to 74.2 mm at Tosa dels Espiolets. Storms peaked on 8 August with 24.4 mm in 30 minutes at La Comella, including hail. Eastern sectors faced intense activity on 15 August, recording 65.4 mm near Pas de la Casa's Envalira-Antenes station, with 21.6 mm in half an hour. Winds gusted to 121 km/h at Tosa dels Espiolets and 68 km/h at Salines from 24-27 August. Lightning sparked small fires, such as one in Canòlich on 11 August that flared again two days later amid dry forest floors.