Authorities in Catalunya have escalated emergency measures as the region faces a dangerous combination of intense heat and heightened wildfire risk. On Wednesday, 15 July, Civil Protection kept both the PROCICAT plan for heat and the INFOCAT plan for forest fires active, warning that this could be the most challenging day of the current weather episode. Forecast highs could reach or exceed 40°C in several areas, with the most pronounced conditions expected in Baix Llobregat, Vallès Oriental and Vallès Occidental. The most severe heat was expected along the coast and nearby inland areas, although temperatures could fall short of earlier projections. A southwesterly or westerly flow was expected to intensify the heat, while uncertainty about the strength and reach of the winds remained a concern for fire conditions.
Firefighters from Bombers de la Generalitat remain on reinforced duty throughout Catalunya, while Rural Agents have maintained access restrictions to eight natural areas. The Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat) forecast exceptionally high temperatures in Baix Llobregat and both Vallès regions, particularly from late morning into early afternoon. Overnight heat was expected to persist across much of the territory, with the Pyrenees and northern Girona coast identified as exceptions. By Thursday, the most intense conditions were expected to shift towards Ponent, while the likelihood of record temperatures generally declined. Meteocat’s municipal forecasts provide hourly information on temperature, precipitation and wind, variables used to assess local heat and fire-weather conditions.
Temperatures were forecast to decline progressively through Saturday. Tramuntana winds were expected to arrive on Friday, but were not predicted to be particularly strong. Dry thunderstorms remained possible through Thursday afternoon, posing an ignition hazard when vegetation is hot and dry. The health action plan (POCS) for heatwaves remains at phase 2, and Civil Protection has urged municipalities to prepare cool spaces and closely monitor vulnerable groups.
Those most at risk include people over 75 without family support, individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, people with chronic illnesses, and anyone required to stay or work outdoors. Local authorities are being asked to ensure air-conditioned shelters are available and keep a close watch on these populations.
Wildfire risk remains closely tied to changing wind conditions. Bombers have increased their operational presence in all emergency regions. Information from the Technical Unit of the Forest Action Group (GRAF), fire risk has reached level 5 out of 6 in the Centre Emergency Region, southern Lleida and Terres de l'Ebre, while the rest of the territory is at level 4. The response includes three to four additional fire crews per region, the opening of volunteer fire stations, and reinforced command and support structures, including aerial resources and active forest prevention teams.
Current conditions, with low vegetation moisture after a dry spring and two major heatwaves, are conducive to fast-spreading fires, especially in oak and holm oak forests and areas with old stumps. Bombers are also keeping teams in place to monitor and extinguish recent wildfires. The Alfa plan remains at level 4 in affected municipalities, with continued closures of Montsec d'Ares, Montsec de Rúbies, Ribera Salada, Baronia de Rialb, Montserrat, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac, Montmell-Marmellar and Montsant. Recreational areas in municipalities at Alfa level 3 also remain closed, and restrictions on leisure activities and fireworks persist in level 4 zones.
The Centre de Coordinació Operativa de Catalunya (CECAT) is leading coordination, with Civil Protection, local councils and organizations working with vulnerable groups. Reopening closed natural spaces will depend on how weather and fire risk evolve in the coming days.
The heightened alert in Catalunya follows a pattern seen elsewhere in Spain, where authorities have had to respond rapidly to wildfire threats. In Almería, for example, emergency services recently contained a major blaze in Los Gallardos, while official efforts focused on victim identification and recovery. Details on that incident can be found in this report on the Los Gallardos wildfire response.
In recent years, Spain has put greater emphasis on early warnings, inter-agency coordination and targeted restrictions in high-risk zones to manage extreme weather and wildfire threats. Heatwaves and persistent drought can compound the danger, particularly in regions like Catalunya, where densely populated areas border vulnerable natural landscapes. Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about local restrictions and follow official guidance during periods of elevated risk.
