Catalonia is entering a new heatwave on Sunday, with Meteocat, the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, and Spain's state weather agency AEMET forecasting temperatures above 40C in parts of Lleida and inland areas. For residents, commuters, outdoor workers and families, that means a higher risk of heat illness, difficult sleeping conditions overnight and tighter caution around any activity that could start a fire.

The heat is arriving as fire danger rises sharply. Official fire-risk forecasts from AEMET and the European Forest Fire Information System, known as EFFIS, show very high to extreme danger in parts of the territory, including areas of Girona. Authorities say the combination of very hot, very dry air and parched vegetation can allow any ignition to spread quickly.

What the official forecast says for Sunday and Monday

Meteocat says a very dry and very warm air mass is pushing temperatures higher across Catalonia. AEMET's forecasts for inland districts also point to maximum temperatures reaching or exceeding 40C in the hottest areas.

  • Lleida province and inland comarques are expected to record the highest daytime temperatures, locally above 40C.
  • Much of the rest of Catalonia is likely to see intense heat, with widespread high 30s.
  • Night-time conditions are also expected to worsen, with tropical nights, when temperatures stay above 20C, and locally torrid nights, when they remain above 25C.

This is the second heatwave of the summer in Catalonia, based on the sequence of official Meteocat and AEMET heat warnings issued this season. Both agencies are continuing to update alerts and local forecasts as conditions evolve.

Meteocat and AEMET forecast exceptionally high temperatures inland, while official fire-danger maps show extreme risk in parts of northeastern Catalonia.

Readers can check how official warnings are issued and updated in our Editorial Policy and Source Transparency pages.

Why wildfire danger is high in Girona and inland Catalonia

AEMET's fire-risk forecast and the European Commission's EFFIS system both indicate severe conditions for wildfire spread. In plain terms, that means vegetation is dry enough, and the weather hot and unstable enough, for fires to ignite and move faster than usual.

Girona province is among the areas under the most serious concern in the current forecasts. Interior zones with dry brush, forest edges and agricultural land are also exposed, especially where there is wind or human activity outdoors.

  • Do not light barbecues or burn garden waste unless expressly permitted under current local rules.
  • Avoid parking vehicles on dry grass, where hot exhaust systems can cause ignition.
  • Do not discard cigarette ends or glass in rural or wooded areas.
  • If you see smoke or flames, call 112 immediately.

Civil protection guidance remains the key official reference for emergency action, while local councils may issue extra restrictions if risk levels rise further.

What the heat means for daily life

For many residents, the immediate impact will be felt at home and on the move. Hot nights can make sleep difficult, especially in dense urban areas, while afternoon travel, outdoor work and sport become more risky during peak heat.

Groups most exposed to heat stress

  • Older people and those with chronic illnesses
  • Babies and young children
  • Outdoor workers, including builders, delivery staff and farm workers
  • People without access to cool indoor spaces
  • Pet owners walking animals in the hottest hours

Health advice during extreme heat is straightforward: drink water regularly, avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day, keep homes shaded and check on vulnerable neighbours or relatives.

The practical message for the public is simple: limit exposure in the hottest hours and treat any wildfire risk as serious.

What to do next and where to check updates

Residents should monitor the latest municipal and regional alerts before planning outdoor activity on Sunday and Monday. The best official channels are Meteocat for weather warnings, AEMET for forecast updates and 112 for emergencies.

If your area announces access limits to forests, cancellations of outdoor events or civil protection warnings, follow those instructions promptly. Anyone with questions about local conditions can also use our Contact Us page to send verified public-interest updates to the newsroom.

Primary sources: Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC). Reported by Source Text Link, State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), ARA.cat, El Nacional, Meteocat (Meteorological Service of Catalonia), Protección Civil (Civil Protection of Spain), AEMET (State Meteorological Agency of Spain), Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EFFIS), El Periódico (CA).