Lead
Spanish weather expert slams ‘terrifying’ online backlash from ‘horde of partisans who no longer believe in scientific data’
A SPANISH weather forecaster has slammed the ‘terrifying’ online backlash her organisation has received to its reporting on Spain’s early summer heat.
Sandra Monrabal with meteorologists Meteored was left stunned by the rabid disbelief in scientific data after a tweet about Aemet’s warning for an ‘episode of abnormally high temperatures’ across the country racked up over one million impressions in just under 24 hours.
The post, shared on Thursday, detailed a sweltering heatwave set to scorch the Iberian Peninsula with maximum temperatures in the mid-40s – hotter than Abu Dhabi.
Yet instead of gratitude or concern, Monrabal, who is the Director of Communications at Meteored, found herself facing ‘hordes of partisans’ who dismissed the data outright.
READ MORE: Number of days over 40C by start of June in Spain doubles all previous days COMBINED in 2025
The alert highlighted a trend Monrabal knows all too well: CO2 levels have soared to 422.8 parts per million this year, a 25% jump since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the US.
Yet, the response on social media was anything but scientific.
READ MORE: WATCH: Locals outraged as boozy Brits brawl in chaotic summer for Spain’s Ibiza
“The science is being attacked by a cult that sees objective facts as nothing,” she said, pointing to a wave of sceptics who branded the warning as part of a ‘globalist conspiracy’.
Some even shared old weather maps to argue heatwaves are nothing new, ignoring decades of peer-reviewed evidence linking rising temperatures to human activity.
For Monrabal, the viral tweet was a wake-up call. While some praised Aemet’s work, the venom from deniers left her shaken.
Monrabal’s frustration echoes a growing cultural shift in Spain, where coordinated misinformation campaigns – 70% of climate denial online, per a 2021 Nature Climate Change study – fuel distrust.
Expats and locals alike, basking in another Spanish scorchio summer, might shrug off the data, but the forecaster warns this rejection could have dangerous consequences.
“These are the people who’ll suffer when the heat turns deadly. It’s not just about weather, it’s about believing in evidence,” she insisted.
Other science professionals shared her dismay.
“It’s getting scarier and more infuriating every time; you can’t report on these kinds of situations without the usual people coming to bother you,” another well-known weather commentator said.
“I want to believe that it’s only a small part and that, for the rest, the data and information are indeed useful to us,” wrote Juan Carlos Asensio-Soto, a professor at the European University of Valencia.
READ MORE: ‘Remain indoors as much as possible’: New Spain heatwave could reach 46C in ‘hottest June ever’
Biologist Guillermo Ferrer, who has tracked CO2 rises himself, also chimed in to criticise the graphic-heavy presentation that muddies public understanding.
“You’re getting it wrong with the graphics,” he told Monrabal, reflecting a shared frustration that even well-intentioned data can be lost on a disbelieving audience.
Another commenter wrote: “I think it’s not ‘objective’ to use the colour black for temperatures that have we’ve been having for decades.”
Monrabal shot back: “We haven’t been having them for decades, they’re only happening now – before they were exceptional.
“And in any case, if the black conveys risk, it’s well done, because it’s a dangerous situation.”
Click here to read more Weather News from The Olive Press.
Balearic Islands
‘Drunk’ British Tourist Falls Off Boat And Is Seriously Injured By Propeller In Mallorca – Olive Press News Spain
A BRITISH tourist was seriously injured after falling off a motorboat in Magaluf and being struck by the craft’s propeller.
The man, 22, was rushed to Son Espases Hospital in Palma.
The accident happened at around 5.10pm on Sunday- a few metres offshore close to the Nikki Beach Club.
READ MORE:
- British tourist falls five metres to his death in Mallorca
- Brits face attempted murder charges after mass brawl inside Mallorca tourist restaurant
- Mallorca hotel worker who suffered broken jaw at hands of British tourist says his life ‘has been ruined’
Some reports suggested that he and his group of fellow Brits were ‘drunk’.
The boat was allegedly about to capsize when the victim plunged into the water.
His friends tried to rescue him but were incapable of doing so.
Several Magaluf lifeguards responded and transferred the young Brit to a nearby pontoon as well as giving him first aid.
Paramedics treated the man for multiple injuries- some of which were deep- and they also stemmed a serious loss of blood.
Some witnesses were quoted by the Cronica Balear news portal as saying that it was an accident ‘waiting to happen’ based on the state of the British group.
Click here to read more Mallorca News from The Olive Press.
Latest
Five Lesser-Known Spanish Retreats To Escape The Heat Waves This Summer – Olive Press News Spain
ESCAPING to the beach may be your first thought when it comes to cooling off this summer, but Spain also has inland towns where you can rest and relax under a soft breeze blowing through shaded valleys.
You don’t have to leave Spain to find a cool weather escape, just read on below and start planning your next weekend getaway.
READ MORE: Where to find the best waves for surfing in Spain’s Basque Country
Isaba (Navarra)
The largest village in the Roncal Valley, Isaba has cobblestone streets, steep roofs, and is surrounded by dolmens, waterfalls, and crystal-clear rivers flowing down from the mountains.
Enjoy the fresh air and hike to peaks more than 2,000 meters high like Peña Ezcaurre, or a shorter walk to the Belabarze waterfall.
Average temperatures in July and August are around 16°C.
Puebla de Sanabria (Zamora)
This town is just a few kilometres away from Lake Sanabria, one of Spain’s most beautiful lakes. In the historic centre, you’ll find flower-filled balconies on stone houses, a Romanesque church and a nearby castle.
The average temperature in summer is around 20°C, with lows dropping to 10°C.
Cangas del Narcea (Asturias)
In this Asturias capital, you’ll find forest getaways, hikes to the Alto Narcea, and can cool-off in the nearby river.
Vineyards climb the mountain slopes, meaning you can eat, drink and be merry as you enjoy the historic town, strolling alongside the palaces and converted monastery.
Summer highs barely pass 23°C and lows are usually around 13°C, with an average temperature of just below 17°C.
Greeks (Teruel)
Griegos, sitting at 1,600 meters in the Sierra de Albarracín, is known as one of the coldest towns in Spain. Wild boar and fallow deer roam the mountain valley. There’s a butterfly museum, Celtic remains and a necropolis to add to your itinerary.
The average summer temperature is around 19°C, but at night it can often drop below 10°C, ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Bellver de Cerdanya (Lleida)
Located in the heart of the Cadí-Moixeró Natural Park, of the Catalan Pyrenees, you will find an old town of Gothic churches, quiet squares, and an ancient defence tower.
Bellver is an excellent starting point for your outdoor hiking activities, surrounding by meadows and forests to explore by foot.
The average summer temperature is around 17°C.
READ MORE: SPOTLIGHT: Denia in Spain has been itself for 2,000 years, being recognised by UNESCO
Click here to read more Olive Press Travel News from The Olive Press.
Latest
Spain’s Housing Market Is Breaking All Records – But It Isn’t Even In The EU’s Top Three Fastest Growing – Olive Press News Spain
Stock Up On Bottled Water, Benalmadena. Taps Will Run Dry On Tuesday
DIY AC Refills In Spain Can Wreck Your Car
Hundreds Of Brits Flee Hotel Fire In Mallorca As Two Are Injured
WATCH: England football star Trent Alexander-Arnold wows fans with fluent Spanish skills at Real Madrid unveiling
F1 News Today: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in late FIA summons as monster penalty ruling issued at Canadian GP
Why The Spanish Government Wants A New Housing-Database To Challenge The Private Property Portals
-
Arne Slot3 weeks ago
WATCH: England football star Trent Alexander-Arnold wows fans with fluent Spanish skills at Real Madrid unveiling
-
Uncategorized3 weeks ago
F1 News Today: Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in late FIA summons as monster penalty ruling issued at Canadian GP
-
Latest4 weeks ago
Why The Spanish Government Wants A New Housing-Database To Challenge The Private Property Portals
-
Uncategorized4 weeks agoF1 2025 Canadian Grand Prix weather forecast – Latest from Montreal
-
Colombia1 week agoWhat Should Latin America Do With Its More Than 30,000 Child Prisoners?
-
%4 weeks agoFlight To London Crashes, 245 On Board
-
explainer3 weeks ago
EXPLAINER: What are the many corruption scandals engulfing Spain’s Pedro Sanchez – and can he survive?
-
Uncategorized4 weeks agoF1 Recap: Max Verstappen FIA penalty verdict issued as Lewis Hamilton
