2024, the third warmest year in Catalonia, but with rains that eased the drought

The year 2024 was the third warmest year on record in Catalonia, following the record-setting years of 2022 and 2023, according to a report from the Catalan Meteorological Service. This marks the first time three consecutive years have been so exceptionally warm since record-keeping began in 1950.

Temperatures in 2024 averaged 2.1ºC above the 1961-1990 baseline, compared to 2.4ºC in 2023 and 2.7ºC in 2022.

These figures made last year the third hottest year on record in Catalonia, following two other years that also make up the top three in that ranking. 

Despite the persistent heat, 2024 brought some relief from the historic drought, with precipitation levels returning to normal and some areas experiencing particularly high rainfall.

Only September registered as a cool month, and not even across all regions. Most months were warmer than average, with January and February standing out for their "exceptionally warm" winter temperatures.

In mountainous areas, temperatures exceeded the 1991-2020 average by over 3ºC.

Spring and summer were also notably warm. Spring was "moderately warm," while summer was "clearly warm," particularly in the Pyrenees, Pre-Pyrenees, and western regions.

No exceptionally cold episodes occurred throughout 2024. In late January, temperatures exceeded 20ºC in many areas, with some locations in Garrotxa and nearby regions reaching 25ºC.

Heatwaves struck during the summer, with extreme temperatures exceeding 40ºC from July 18–20 in western Catalonia, Priorat, and Terres de l’Ebre.

December continued the trend, with a warm start to the month. Although the second half saw temperatures drop, it was not enough to offset the warmth of the first ten days.

Drought eased

Rainfall in 2024 brought a shift from the dry conditions of the preceding three years (2021–2023).

Most of Catalonia experienced normal or above-average rainfall, with some southern counties seeing especially high precipitation levels.

While rainfall deficits persisted in some northeastern areas, other regions recorded notable surpluses. In parts of Alt Camp, Baix Ebre, Montsià, and Tarragonès, 2024 was classified as "rainy" or even "very rainy."

Some areas, such as the Ports massif, exceeded 1,300 mm of rainfall, while parts of the western Pyrenees surpassed 1,500 mm.

The year ranked among the top three wettest years in 23 long-term weather station records.

Some stations in southern coastal areas recorded their wettest year since data collection began over 30 years ago, underscoring the significance of 2024 as a year of climatic extremes and hydrological recovery.

Despite the rainfall, reservoirs across Catalonia remain at only around 33% full in early January 2025.