Heat warnings raised to highest level as summer's second heatwave hits Catalonia

The weather service Meteocat has raised its heat warnings to the highest level as Catalonia faces its second heatwave of the summer, with extreme temperatures forecast until at least Thursday.

Much of Catalonia will reach the maximum danger level, 6 out of 6, on Wednesday, when a red heat alert will be in place across most of the country.

Temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in several areas, including western Catalonia, the Ebre region, and Alt Empordà and Baix Empordà.

The latest heatwave began on Sunday, with temperatures approaching 42°C on Monday.

According to official Meteocat data, the highest temperature recorded on Monday was 41.9°C in Vinebre (Ribera d'Ebre).

Wildfires

Catalonia's Rural Agents have closed access to six natural areas from Tuesday due to the extreme risk of forest fires amid the prolonged spell of high temperatures and very low humidity.

The affected areas are Les Gavarres, Montserrat, Montsec d'Ares, Montsec de Rúbies, Ribera Salada and Baronia de Rialb. Access to Montserrat Monastery remains permitted.

The Pla Alfa wildfire risk system has been raised to level 4 for extreme fire danger in 111 municipalities across 18 counties.

Authorities are urging people to take extra precautions and avoid any behaviour that could pose a fire risk in natural areas.

Catalonia's interior minister, Núria Parlon, has requested assistance from Spain's Military Emergency Unit (UME) to help respond to multiple wildfires burning simultaneously across Catalonia.

The unit will be deployed to the wildfires in Sentmenat (Vallès Occidental) and Anoia (Central Catalonia).

In June, Catalonia registered a record 218 deaths related to the high temperatures, according to the Carlos III Health Institute.

The vast majority occurred during and after the first heatwave of the summer, around the Sant Joan holiday.

Health officials advise staying hydrated, keeping homes cool whenever possible, and avoiding direct sun during the hottest hours of the day.