The Fabra Observatory, in Barcelona, has one of the best and longest series of meteorological records in Europe, with data certified since 1914. This scientific reference is making it clear that the increase in temperatures is not a one-time event, but rather a It accumulates significant maximums repeatedly in recent years, with figures totally consistent with the climate change process observed throughout the planet.
The data for the month of January of this year confirm this warming trend. Thus, the Fabra Observatory and, by extension, Barcelona, recorded in January 2024 the highest temperature for this time of year in the entire climatic series of 1914-2024, according to data provided by Alfons Puertas, technician in the Meteorology section of this observatory of the Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona (Racab).
The average temperature at this point in Collserola was 11.0°C, that is, 2.2°C above the climatic average for the month of January and also "the highest average January temperature ever measured since 1914", concludes Alfons Puerta. in the provisional monthly summary released.
Last month, the absolute maximum temperature recorded at the Fabra Observatory was 21.2°C on the 25th. This last figure in particular represents the third highest temperature ever measured in the month of January at this point in Barcelona. Specifically, this maximum was exceeded by the 22.1° C on January 1, 2022 and the 21.8° C on January 8, 2016.
The record of this center also indicates that the absolute minimum temperature in January of this year was 3.0° C, on the 12th, and that the total monthly precipitation (rain) was 26.4 mm. Accumulated precipitation in the last 12 months is now 327.2 mm, which represents only 53% of the climatic average.
Alfons Puertas highlights the accumulation of January months with higher temperatures than usual in several years so far this century. This accumulation is clearly observed in the TOP 5 of the warmest months in the Fabra Observatory 1914-2024:
2024 (11,0°C)
2016 (10,7°C)
2018 (10.5 ºC)
2008 (10,3°C)
2022 (10,2°C)
