The tramuntana, the strong north wind that shapes daily life in Alt Emporda, is easing at Cap de Creus while the sea off l'Estartit is getting steadily warmer, according to the latest annual climate indicators bulletin from Meteocat, Catalonia's meteorological service. For residents, fishers, beach users and businesses along the Costa Brava, the figures point to long-term changes in local weather and sea conditions rather than a short-lived shift.

Meteocat says the northern part of Cap de Creus now records 25 to 28 fewer days of extremely strong wind, while the surface temperature of the sea at l'Estartit has risen by almost 2C in just over 50 years. The data comes from the official Butlleti anual d'indicadors climatics and related climate records published by the agency.

What the new Meteocat indicators show in Girona

The new bulletin identifies two clear trends in the Girona area, one on land and one at sea.

  • At the north of Cap de Creus, Meteocat records between 25 and 28 fewer days of extremely strong wind.
  • At l'Estartit, sea-surface temperature has increased by almost 2C over a period of just over 50 years.
  • The figures are presented by Meteocat as part of its long-term monitoring of observed climate change in Catalonia.
Meteocat's annual indicators bulletin points to fewer days of extremely strong wind at Cap de Creus and sustained warming of the sea at l'Estartit.

The tramuntana is a defining feature of the far north of the Costa Brava, especially around Cap de Creus in Alt Emporda. A fall in days with extremely strong wind matters locally because it can affect sailing, fishing activity, coastal conditions and how residents experience winter and shoulder-season weather.

At l'Estartit, in Baix Emporda, warmer sea water can influence bathing conditions, marine ecosystems and seasonal patterns that matter to tourism and coastal businesses. Meteocat's sea temperature records are supported by its published marine climate data and long-running observations from the area.

Why l'Estartit and Cap de Creus matter for local readers

Cap de Creus is one of the windiest parts of Catalonia, so changes there are closely watched by people who live or work on the coast. L'Estartit is also a key reference point because it has one of the best-known long records for sea temperature in Catalonia.

Meteocat publishes these indicators to track the observed evolution of the climate, using historical records rather than short-term forecasts. Readers who want to understand how official climate data is handled can check our Source Transparency and Editorial Policy pages.

How to check the official data

Residents, researchers and local organisations can consult the official Meteocat channels directly for the latest figures and methodology.

  • The annual climate indicators bulletin on Meteocat's website.
  • Meteocat's climate data and products pages.
  • The published sea-temperature series for l'Estartit.

For readers tracking local planning, marine activity or environmental change, the most useful next step is to follow updated releases from Meteocat, which maintains the official bulletin and supporting climate datasets.

Primary sources: Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat), Institut d'Estadística de Catalunya (IDESCAT). Reported by Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat), Estació meteorològica de l'Estartit i de Torroella de Montgrí, Diari de Girona.