The Ministry of Environment and the Meteorological Agency in Spain reported on Wednesday that "the country is experiencing the hottest spring and the second driest since records of temperatures began in 1961. It is likely that temperatures will remain above average this summer."
Spain has been facing a prolonged drought that has devastated agricultural production, including the olive oil sector, which accounts for nearly half of global production.
The hot and dry weather increases additional risks, as studies show that climate change heightens the risk of wildfires.
The ministry stated in a report that "the average temperature across Spain, excluding the Balearic and Canary Islands, reached 14.2 degrees Celsius from March 1 to June 1."
It added that "southern Spain recorded a new record high in April of 38.8 degrees Celsius."
Forecast models from the Meteorological Agency predict with a probability ranging from 50 to 70% that this summer will be one of the five hottest summers in the past three decades, despite a 40 to 50% chance that the country may experience more rainfall than usual.
