Catalonia is set to enter a new heatwave on Sunday, with inland temperatures expected to rise above 40C in parts of Lleida and other interior counties, according to the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, Meteocat. The same weather pattern is also raising forest fire danger to extreme levels in parts of Girona, a direct concern for residents near woodland, weekend visitors, and anyone planning outdoor work or travel.

The warning comes as a very dry, very hot air mass affects the region. Meteocat says the episode is being driven by an anticyclonic ridge and a cut-off low pressure system to the west of the Iberian Peninsula. The result is hotter daytime conditions and widespread tropical or torrid nights, meaning minimum temperatures may stay unusually high after dark.

Where the heat is expected to hit hardest

Meteocat's official heat warning says the most intense temperatures are expected in Lleida province and inland counties. The agency states that 40C may be reached or exceeded in parts of western and interior Catalonia.

  • Lleida and the Ponent area are expected to see the highest daytime temperatures.
  • Other inland counties may also pass 40C during the peak of the episode.
  • Night-time temperatures are expected to remain high across much of Catalonia, including tropical nights above 20C and, in some places, torrid nights above 25C.

For people living in flats without air conditioning, older residents, parents with young children, and outdoor workers, the overnight heat may be as difficult as the daytime peak. Official forecasts can be checked through Meteocat and municipal outlooks from AEMET, Spain's state weather agency.

Meteocat has issued an official warning for intense heat in Catalonia's inland counties, with maximum temperatures of 40C forecast in parts of Lleida and the interior.

Extreme fire danger in Girona and other rural areas

Alongside the heat, authorities are warning of very high to extreme wildfire danger. The fire risk is especially acute in parts of Girona, where hot, dry conditions can help fires spread quickly.

Agents Rurals, the rural officers of the Generalitat, publish daily fire risk alerts and surveillance information. Civil Protection also uses the INFOCAT emergency plan for forest fires, which residents may hear referenced during periods of elevated danger. In practical terms, that means restrictions or advice may affect barbecues, agricultural work, access to forest areas, and activities that could generate sparks.

  • Residents near forested areas should avoid any activity that could ignite dry vegetation.
  • Hikers and weekend visitors should check local restrictions before entering natural areas.
  • Business owners in rural tourism and agriculture may face changing safety guidance if risk levels rise further.

Readers can follow official public safety guidance and emergency information through Generalitat channels and our Source Transparency page explains how official alerts are verified in our reporting.

Why this episode is developing now

According to Meteocat, the heat is linked to a very warm, dry air mass over Catalonia. The agency says the current pattern combines an anticyclonic ridge, which favours stable and hot conditions, with a DANA, a high-altitude isolated depression, positioned to the west of the peninsula.

That setup is expected to intensify temperatures further from Sunday. State forecasts from AEMET also point to very hot conditions across parts of north-eastern Spain.

What residents should do next

People are being advised to limit strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, drink water regularly, and check on elderly neighbours or relatives. Anyone planning rural outings should review the latest forest fire alerts from Agents Rurals and Civil Protection before leaving home.

  • Check the latest county-level heat alerts on Meteocat before travel or outdoor work.
  • Review wildfire restrictions and access advice from Agents Rurals and Civil Protection.
  • Call emergency services on 112 if you see smoke or fire, or if someone shows signs of heat illness.

Residents who need official preparedness advice can also find contact and policy information through Contact Us and related public service guidance from the Generalitat.

Primary sources: Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), Generalitat de Catalunya (Department of Security). Reported by Source Text Link, Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), State Meteorological Agency (AEMET), Agencia Estatal de Meteorología (AEMET), Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (Meteocat), Agents Rurals (Generalitat de Catalunya), AEMET (Agencia Estatal de Meteorología), Civil Protection (Generalitat de Catalunya), Diputació de Lleida (Security Department), El Periódico (CA).