Extreme fire risk declared in multiple comarcas

Protecció Civil has activated the pre-alert phase of the INFOCAT forest fire emergency plan on Thursday, 13 August 2026, due to very high fire risk across several regions of Catalonia. The alert affects the Alt Camp, Baix Penedès, Conca de Barberà, Priorat, Ribera d'Ebre and Terra Alta, according to an official statement shared via social media and reported by Europa Press. This measure coincides with a heat warning issued by the Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat), which forecasts intense heat persisting from 14:00 on Thursday until 20:00 on Friday. Maximum temperatures are expected to exceed 40°C in the Lleida plains, with the heat extending across much of southern and central Catalonia.

Residents urged to report smoke immediately

Authorities are urging the public to call emergency services on 112 at the first sight of smoke. Protecció Civil has reiterated safety recommendations, including staying hydrated, avoiding physical exertion during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with health conditions. The INFOCAT plan, formally known as the Special Forest Fire Emergency Plan for Catalonia, is designed to coordinate regional and local responses before fires occur. The pre-alert phase enhances monitoring and readiness among firefighting and emergency units.

If you see a column of smoke, call 112 immediately.

According to Meteocat, skies will remain mostly clear in the morning across the region, with increasing cloud cover over the Pyrenees by midday. Thunderstorms are expected in mountainous areas during the afternoon. Winds will be light and variable, with moderate gusts at times.

Friday outlook and weekend forecast

  • Temperatures will remain above 40°C in the Lleida plains
  • Val d'Aran may reach nearly 35°C
  • Afternoon thunderstorms expected in Pyrenean areas
  • Light south winds expected across the region

A gradual decrease in temperatures is forecast from the weekend onwards, offering relief from the current heatwave. Further details on the current fire risk levels and regional thresholds are available on the Meteocat website.

Primary sources: govern.cat, Servei deplanificació, interior.gencat.cat. Reported by europapress.es, Redacció, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya. Generalitat de Catalunya, Xavi Aguilar, Aina Barquero, Andrea Pacha Röper, ACN, naciodigital.cat, El Periódico, Bernat Coll, segre.com.