Spain and the Costa Blanca set heat records in February

A year ago, in February 2018, some communities on the peninsula experienced temperatures of -10ºC. Today, at the end of February, last year's temperatures are history. In numerous areas of the country, and even in several spots along the Cantabrian coast, temperatures close to 20ºC have been recorded.

These temperatures are not normal, being 5 to 10 degrees above the average for these dates. It’s not the first time that February has been so warm, but it is not usual.

Since 1944, temperatures this high have not been recorded in this hot month of February. According to data from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) station network, two records were broken on February 23rd: in Soria and Zaragoza. In Soria, with 21.2ºC, such high temperatures for this time of year had not been recorded since 1944. On the other hand, in Zaragoza, the maximum temperature reached 23.1ºC, a value not recorded since 1951.

Regarding the other communities, all registered temperatures typical of May. In the Canary Islands, with 31.5 degrees, and in Abanilla (Murcia), 28.2 degrees, are some of the highest temperatures recorded on Saturday the 23rd.

Of course, the Alicante area has also enjoyed as always, one of the most privileged climates on the Peninsula.

Now we have more and more reasons to enjoy the Vacation Villas throughout the year.

Why is it so hot?

As we all know, February has always been characterized as a month with low and cold temperatures, but 2019 is not following that pattern. What is causing this change?

One of the main reasons for these high temperatures is the strong anticyclone moving across the peninsula. This anticyclone acts as a shield against the entry of new storm systems and, consequently, rain. According to experts, this anticyclone has great strength, reaching a central pressure of 1040 hectopascals. But these high temperatures are not only due to the anticyclone. A large storm has formed through explosive cyclogenesis, which generates a southward airflow bringing fairly warm tropical air masses.

Both the anticyclone and the storm are responsible for these high temperatures. On the other hand, we cannot say that this episode is a consequence of climate change, but we cannot deny the rarity of the phenomenon. Over the past decades, February's average temperature was around 8.5ºC, and this year, most cities have reached 15 degrees.

This is not the first time that February temperatures have been so high. Looking back to 1960, the situation was even worse, with temperatures reaching as high as 29ºC in Santander and Badajoz, 28.8ºC in Asturias, and 28.6ºC in Seville and Guipúzcoa.

But we should not view these figures as something worrying. Many coastal residents have taken advantage of these high temperatures to enjoy the beach with friends and family, because what better way to combat the heat than a swim in the sea?

What will the temperatures be like at the end of winter?

This question is very difficult to answer since we do not know how the atmosphere will behave after the blockage caused by the anticyclone.

Spring will begin on March 1st, and as every year, it is expected to bring days with very varied weather, ranging from warm and stable days to rainy days.

The only thing we know is that it is always a good opportunity to enjoy the best climate in the Costa Blanca area.

We encourage you to come vacation at our Rental Villas in Calpe, Moraira, Benissa. We look forward to seeing you!!