Temperature in Barcelona metro area could rise 3.7 degrees by 2100, per European study

Average temperatures in the Barcelona metropolitan area is estimated to rise between 1.7 and 3.7 degrees by 2100, according to the calculattions of the ICARIA project, a European initiative that asseses climate risks.

According to the results of ICARIA's latest study presented on Wednesday by the Barcelona Metropolitan Area body (AMB), there will be 20.5 more days of extreme heat by the end of the century, 74 more tropical nights (where minimum temperatures at night don't fall below 20 degrees) and 47.2 additional torrid nights (25 degrees).

There will also be four more heat waves each year and they will last longer.

"These are figures ​​well beyond the recommendations of the 2015 Paris Agreement," warned the CEO of Climate Action of the AMB, Guille López.

According to the ICARIA project, in 75 years' time "substantially more pessimistic" data are expected than the forecasts made in 2015 in the Paris summit. López recalled that it was estimated that temperatures would rise by a maximum of 2 degrees, although the recommendation was that the increase be 1.5.

Now, the study indicates that the most likely scenario is that in the metropolitan area they will rise between 1.7 and 3.7 degrees. If no action is taken, the same report warns that the increase would be between 1.7 and 4.5 degrees. 

Climate shelters

This summer the city is increasing the number of climate shelters by 31% to offer safe spaces to citizens on the hottest days. In total, there will be 244 climate shelters made open by public bodies in 2025.

The network now reaches almost all the municipalities of the AMB, with only Molins de Rei, Sant Climent de Llobregat, and Gavà the exceptions.

Of the 244 spaces this summer, 71 are parks, 151 are public facilities, and 22 are swimming pools.

Opening hours will also be reviewed to ensure that at least half are open on weekends.

The organization estimates that this network covers more than 1.2 million people, 80.5% of the population, and guarantees that inhabitants will have one of these spaces available less than 10 minutes from their home.