Vinebre, in Catalonia’s Ribera d’Ebre, recorded 39.5C on 29 May 2026, setting a new May heat record for the second day running. The reading is the highest temperature ever measured in May in Catalonia, according to the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya.
The new figure beats the 38.5C recorded at the same weather station just one day earlier. That earlier reading had already matched Catalonia’s previous May maximum.
The heat is part of a wider episode affecting much of Catalonia, with summer-like temperatures arriving in late May. While eastern Catalonia saw a slight drop compared with the previous day, areas in Ponent and the Ebro interior also faced very high temperatures.
On 28 May, Vinebre had already become Catalonia’s hottest spot with 38.5C. Forecasts had pointed to another thermal peak the following day, which was then confirmed by the new reading.
Officials said the temperatures are more typical of July than late May, and linked the episode to an intense warm air mass and an unusually early spell of heat for the time of year. For more Catalonia-wide weather coverage, see our news page and the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya.
