Barcelona and much of Catalonia are set for an intense spell of heat this week, with the peak expected on Thursday, 28 May, along the coast and pre-coastal areas. Inland and western parts of the region could see their highest temperatures on Friday, 29 May, according to meteorological forecasts.
The forecast points to a strong layer of hot air at altitude, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees Celsius at 1,500 metres, around eight degrees above average. A south-westerly wind, known as garbí, is also expected to push temperatures higher in coastal and pre-coastal areas. In the Vallès-Penedès depression, maximums of 35 to 36 degrees are forecast, while higher parts of Barcelona, including Collserola and the upper city, could reach 34 to 35 degrees. Central Barcelona and the coastal front may see 32 to 34 degrees.
On Friday, sea breezes should bring a slight drop in temperature on the Barcelona coast, but inland areas could face the hottest day of the episode. The State Meteorological Agency forecast shows a clear rise across Catalonia compared with Wednesday, with temperatures still expected to climb by 1 to 2 degrees in parts of Ponent and the Pyrenees.
Some models point to maximums of 35 to 37 degrees on Thursday in the warmest parts of inland Girona, Central Catalonia and the Lleida plain. By Friday, the Lleida plain and inland Ebre region could reach 38 to 40 degrees. For readers following local weather updates, see our news coverage.
The heat could also challenge May records. Barcelona city’s highest temperature for May is 34.4 degrees Celsius, recorded on 22 May 2022, and that mark could be surpassed this Thursday. Meteocat station records for May include 33.4 degrees in El Raval, 34.5 degrees in Zona Universitària and 33.8 degrees at the Zoo. The Les Corts-Can Bruixa observatory, which has data since 1987, recorded an absolute maximum of 33.1 degrees on 22 May 2022.
Across Catalonia, the highest May temperatures recorded by Meteocat stations include 38.5 degrees in Castellbisbal and Anglès, both on 22 May 2022. The State Meteorological Agency has recorded absolute maximums of 36.8 degrees in Lleida and 37.3 degrees at Girona airport. Barcelona has never recorded a torrid minimum, meaning above 25 degrees, in May. The highest minimum was 22.6 degrees at Les Corts-Can Bruixa on 29 May 2001, and this heatwave will test whether that record also falls, especially in urban areas where the heat island effect is stronger.
