Catalonia braces for its first major heatwave of the summer. Authorities warn that almost 400 municipalities are now at high or very high risk of wildfires. The peak danger is expected between Sunday and Monday.
Authorities in Catalonia have placed 398 municipalities under high or very high wildfire risk as the region prepares for a sharp rise in temperatures. The warning, issued by the Department of Agriculture of the Generalitat, comes ahead of the first significant heatwave of the summer, with the most critical period expected between Sunday and Monday.
According to the latest assessment from Meteocat (Servei Meteorològic), only the six easternmost comarcas of Catalonia are not affected by the current heat alert. The rest of the territory, especially the province of Lleida and central Catalonia, faces a combination of soaring temperatures and extremely low relative humidity, creating conditions that significantly increase the likelihood of forest fires.
Of the 398 municipalities flagged by the Department of Agriculture, 74 have been placed on red alert due to a very high risk of wildfire, while 324 are under orange alert for high risk. The authorities have urged residents to exercise maximum caution, particularly during the upcoming peak of the heatwave. The Generalitat has also reminded the public to immediately report any signs of fire or smoke to emergency services.
The current situation marks the first major heat event of the summer in Catalonia, with the risk of wildfires expected to intensify as temperatures climb further in the coming days. The warnings are part of a broader effort to prevent incidents similar to those seen in previous years, when heatwaves led to significant damage in rural and forested areas.
For context, Catalonia regularly experiences heightened wildfire risk during the summer months, especially in inland and western regions where vegetation is dense and rainfall is scarce. In recent years, local authorities have increased monitoring and early warning systems to respond more quickly to emerging threats. The combination of high temperatures and low humidity is a well-known trigger for wildfires in Mediterranean climates, making timely public alerts and preventive measures essential for minimizing damage and ensuring public safety.
