Andorra Endures Record-Breaking Late-May Heatwave with Temps Topping 33°C

Andorra is experiencing an unusually intense heatwave at the end of May, driven by a persistent high-pressure system trapping warm air across Europe. The Meteorological Service reports temperatures far above seasonal norms, with anomalies of up to +8°C in maximums and +4°C in minimums compared to historical averages.

On Thursday, 28 May 2026, the country recorded its first day of the year exceeding 30°C, with five stations surpassing that threshold. The highest reading was 31.1°C at both Roc de Sant Pere (1,113m) and Margineda-FEDA (950m), while Borda Vidal (864m) hit 30.9°C and La Comella (1,225m) reached 30.2°C. Escaldes-Engordany logged 31.6°C, and other sites like Certes (30.5°C) and Encamp (30.3°C) also saw summer-like conditions. This marked the peak of a spell that has placed six days in May 2026 among the top 10 hottest ever recorded for the month at various stations, including a record-tying 33.1°C at Borda Vidal, matching the May 2022 high.

Friday, 29 May—forecast as the week's hottest day—saw maximums of 31°C in Andorra la Vella, 26°C at 1,500m altitude, and 14°C at Pas de la Casa. Haze contributed to a muggy feel, with clear skies in the morning giving way to convective clouds in the south, where light showers could not be ruled out. Winds remained light from the northwest, and the 0°C isotherm hovered around 4,100m.

The heat follows Andorra's warmest April on record and has accelerated snowmelt in the high mountains. Comparisons at Coma d'Arcalís show far less snow cover this year than in 2024 or 2025.

Relief is expected over the weekend. Saturday maximums will dip slightly to 29°C in Andorra la Vella amid sunny mornings and possible isolated showers in the south, coinciding with Canòlich festivities. Sunday could see 28°C highs, with a higher chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon affecting broader areas. Temperatures will continue falling early next week, reaching 23°C on Monday and 16°C by the following Friday, accompanied by rain.

While maximums exceed the 75th percentile for late May and early June, they fall short of official heatwave criteria, which require three consecutive days above the 98th percentile (around 32°C at the central station). Civil Protection urges checking on elderly or ill residents living alone at least daily, and calling 112 or 116 for heatstroke symptoms while moving affected individuals to shade or cooler areas.