Galicia is bracing for one of its most severe heat episodes this Sunday, with the regional government activating a red alert for high temperatures in 109 municipalities. The highest level on the official scale, it covers large parts of the interior of A Coruña, central and mountainous areas of Lugo, the mountains of Ourense, and inland Pontevedra. Maximum temperatures in these zones are expected to exceed 30°C: forecasts put Santiago at 34°C and Lugo at 36°C, while some inland areas could approach 40°C. AEMET’s forecast service displays weather warnings alongside forecasts and maximum and minimum temperatures for major municipalities. Its observation service provides station-level temperature records and daily extremes.
In response, the Xunta de Galicia has suspended all outdoor federated and school sports activities, including the Xogade program, in municipalities under red and orange alerts from 12:00 to 20:00. Nautical and aquatic activities remain permitted on the coast, including in orange alert areas. Inland, they are restricted to hours outside the midday peak, specifically avoiding 12:00 to 17:00.
Health authorities have issued specific recommendations for at-risk groups, including people over 65, children under four, and those with pre-existing health conditions. They advise drinking plenty of fluids before feeling thirsty, avoiding heavy meals, and limiting physical activity during the hottest hours. They also urge people to check on neighbors or relatives who live alone. Anyone showing symptoms of heatstroke should prompt a call to emergency services at 061.
The intensity of the measures and the forecast temperatures have raised questions about whether Galicia is experiencing a formal heatwave. The Agencia Estatal de Meteorología defines such an episode as at least three consecutive days of exceptional heat affecting at least 10% of weather stations. MeteoGalicia expects temperatures to dip briefly on Monday, especially along the coast between Fisterra and A Guarda, where showers are possible and a light northeast wind may ease the heat. A new surge of warm air is forecast for Tuesday, but, potentially pushing temperatures above previous June records, particularly in the Miño de Ourense and southern Pontevedra, where they could exceed 40°C.
Spain has seen more extreme weather events in recent years, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. The red alert system is designed to trigger preventive action and protect public health, especially among people most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Galicia's approach reflects a broader trend across Spain: regional governments are adapting emergency protocols to address the growing risks from climate change and rising temperatures.
