Spain is heading towards a more arid climate while extreme rainfall events increase, according to the CLIVAR-Spain report

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Throughout the 21st century, the average annual precipitation in Spain is expected to decrease, while extreme rainfall events become more frequent. There will be an expansion of arid climates, with higher temperatures and lower humidity, increasing the risk of wildfires and heat exposure. These are some of the key conclusions from the evaluation of climate models and projections for the 21st century, conducted by Aemet and presented in the CLIVAR-Spain 2024 report.

Cover of the CLIVAR-Spain Report

The report, recently presented, provides a key update on the state of the climate in Spain, highlighting the effects of climate change on the country’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems.

This work serves as an example of scientific collaboration between public entities. The report’s importance for Spain lies in its compilation of the latest scientific advances, complementing the conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) at a global level and providing a detailed view of climate impacts and risks within Spanish territory.

Since its inception, Aemet has supported the existence of the National CLIVAR-Spain Committee, which is responsible for the report. The CLIVAR committee has issued three reports (2006, 2010, and 2017) and an executive report (2019) on the most recent climate studies in Spain, compiling their key findings.

The Spanish Meteorological Agency contributes to the understanding of climate evolution in Spain by maintaining and upgrading systems for observing essential climate variables, supported by European NextGeneration funds within the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. Notable efforts include the renewal of the radar network, digitalization, and the implementation of new atmospheric composition observation networks. The agency’s role is also crucial in maintaining the National Climate Data Bank and generating climate change scenarios for Spain.

Representatives of Institutions Involved in the Preparation of the CLIVAR-Spain Report

At the presentation of the new CLIVAR-Spain report, María José Rallo, president of AEMET, was present. She emphasized the importance of climate services for decision-making and the growing role of climatology in Aemet’s new strategic plan.

ATTACHMENT: CLIVAR-SPAIN Document