Barcelona has been on high alert since Thursday morning due to extreme heat. Air temperatures in the city rise above 34 degrees during the day, posing a serious health risk to the most vulnerable residents.
The city council has launched a set of preventive measures to inform the public about the locations of climate shelters and municipal drinking fountains. Special attention is given to the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and those in difficult social situations.
Specialists from the Centre d’Urgències i Emergències Socials (CUESB), the civil protection service, and representatives of the Red Cross are involved in implementing the plan. Throughout the day, municipal workers distribute water and hats to passersby to reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration.
In addition to the daytime alert, the city continues to maintain the nighttime emergency phase, declared under the municipal heat response plan. This is triggered if nighttime temperatures do not fall below 28 degrees. During this period, CUESB remains on standby to respond to signals from the city police and, if necessary, arrange transportation for those in need to safe locations.
As part of emergency measures, CUESB sends SMS notifications to social service users identified as particularly vulnerable. The municipal heat action plan is in effect in Barcelona from June 15 to September 15 and includes continuous monitoring of weather conditions and the population’s health.
City authorities advise residents to avoid being outdoors between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., limit physical activity during the hottest hours, drink more water, and avoid alcohol. To keep homes cool, it is recommended to close blinds during the day and open them at night, as well as use fans.
Officials stress that timely information and simple precautionary measures help reduce health risks during periods of extreme heat. Special attention is given to informing and supporting those unable to care for themselves in hot weather.
Meteorologists forecast that high temperatures will persist in the coming days, so city services remain on high alert. Residents are reminded to monitor their well-being and seek assistance at the first signs of heat exhaustion.
