Andorra Records First September Heatwave, Shattering Temperature Marks

Andorra has recorded its first September heatwave, lasting five days from 3 to 7 September and setting maximum temperature records at six long-term meteorological stations, the Meteorological Service reports.

The event marks the sixth heatwave of 2024, surpassing all previous annual totals following an exceptionally warm summer. June and July each brought multiple episodes, reaching five in total and exceeding the prior record of four. The previous one concluded on 2 August.

Meteorologist Guillem Martín described the September heatwave as "unprecedented." The peak temperature of 35.9°C occurred at Borda Vidal on 4 September, eclipsing the previous high of 33.5°C from 6 September 2016. Roc de Sant Pere recorded 35.2°C on 5 September, topping 33°C set on 4 September 2006. La Comella hit 34.1°C on 3 September—far above 31.4°C from 6 September 2016—and later reached 34.3°C. Engolasters-FEDA logged 31.3°C on 5 September, beating 30°C on 16 September 1978. Central-FEDA measured 33.1°C on 4 September, surpassing 32°C from 2 September 1999. Ransol-FEDA achieved 30°C on 6 September, exceeding 29°C recorded on 7 September 1937.

Elevated heat persisted across the period, with Borda Vidal posting daily highs from 33.7°C to 35.9°C. All maximums at Roc de Sant Pere topped 33°C, while elevated locations such as Ransol and Engolasters approached or reached 30°C on multiple days.

Two stations also established new September minimum temperature records. La Comella noted 19.1°C on 6 September, roughly 2°C warmer than 17.2°C from 5 September 2016. Engolasters-FEDA registered 19.4°C that day, 2.4°C above 17°C on 6 September 2016.

At the FEDA hydroelectric plant, 43 days this year have exceeded 30°C, breaking the 2017 record of 33 days. In comparison, 2014 saw just one such day, while 1990 was the last year with none at Central-FEDA. Days above 30°C have occurred every year since 1991.

The year has also produced a record number of yellow and orange high-temperature alerts, including 10 more days over 30°C than the prior benchmark.