Andorra Records First September Heatwave, Shattering Temperature Marks

Andorra has recorded its first September heatwave, spanning five days from 3 to 7 September and shattering maximum temperature records at six stations with more than 15 years of data, the Meteorological Service reports.

The event marked the sixth heatwave of 2024—the highest annual total on record—following an exceptionally warm summer. June and July each produced multiple episodes, totaling five and surpassing the previous peak of four. The prior heatwave concluded on 2 August.

Meteorologist Guillem Martín described the September spell as "unprecedented." Peak readings included 35.9°C at Borda Vidal on 4 September, exceeding the 2016 previous high of 33.5°C by more than two degrees. Roc de Sant Pere registered 35.2°C on 5 September, topping its 2006 mark of 33°C. La Comella reached 34.1°C on 3 September, well above the 2016 September record of 31.4°C, with a further 34.3°C later in the period. Engolasters-FEDA hit 31.3°C on 5 September, surpassing the 1978 high of 30°C. Central-FEDA logged 33.1°C on 4 September, beating the 1999 record of 32°C. Ransol-FEDA achieved 30°C on 6 September, breaking a mark from 7 September 1937 of 29°C that had stood for nearly nine decades.

High temperatures persisted across the five days. At Borda Vidal, daily maximums ranged from 33.7°C to 35.9°C. Roc de Sant Pere saw all readings exceed 33°C during the episode. Higher-altitude sites like Ransol and Engolasters approached or reached 30°C for much of the period.

Two stations also set new September minimum temperature records. La Comella recorded 19.1°C on 6 September, above the 2016 figure of 17.2°C. Engolasters-FEDA noted 19.4°C that day, topping its 2016 record of 17°C.

At the FEDA hydroelectric plant, 43 days this year have exceeded 30°C, surpassing the 2017 record of 33 days. By comparison, 2014 had 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 produced a record number of yellow and orange high-temperature alerts, with 10 more days over 30°C than the prior benchmark underscoring the season's intensity.