End of Heat Alert Confirmed
Protecció Civil has officially ended the red alert for intense heat across Catalonia, following a three-day heatwave that saw temperatures exceed 40 °C in several regions. The alert was deactivated on Sunday evening as conditions improved, according to a statement from the Generalitat. The Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya (SMC) recorded peak temperatures on Sunday, with Vinebre in Ribera d’Ebre reaching 42.5 °C, matching a record set just two days earlier. This marks the highest temperature recorded in September over the past 20 years at that station.
Widespread Temperature Records
During the three-day period, 111 of the 128 stations in the Xema network broke their previous September maximum records. In total, 59 stations set new all-time September highs, with extreme readings also recorded in Torroja del Priorat (42.3 °C), Pantà de Riba-roja (40.8 °C), and Masroig (40.6 °C). Temperatures were 8 to 10 °C above the seasonal average in areas including Lleida and inland regions, driven by a persistent high-pressure system bringing dry, still air.
Health and Emergency Response
The Sistema d’Emergències Mèdiques (SEM) reported attending to 10 people affected by the heat during the episode, seven with moderate symptoms and three with mild ones. No hospitalisations were reported.
Fire Risk Remains Elevated
Although the heat alert has ended, the risk of wildfires remains significant. Agents Rurals confirmed that access restrictions will remain in place on Monday in natural areas including Baronia de Rialb and Serra de Mont-roig in the Noguera comarca. A total of 79 municipalities across 14 comarques remain at level 4 of the Pla Alfa for extreme fire danger, while 212 others are at level 3 (very high risk). Ground and aerial patrols continue to monitor vulnerable zones.
Looking Ahead
Weather forecasts indicate a gradual cooling trend from Tuesday, with no further heat alerts expected. However, officials warn that the accumulated dryness in vegetation means fire risk will remain high even as temperatures fall. Residents are urged to follow local restrictions and avoid activities that could spark fires.
Primary sources: govern.cat, Generalitat de Catalunya. Departament Interior, sem.gencat.cat. Reported by radiobalaguer.cat, ACN, lamanyana.cat, canal21ebre.com, rtve.es, elnacional.cat, Joan Antoni Guerrero Vall, 20minutos, Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya. Generalitat de Catalunya, diarimes.com, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, Ràdio Balaguer.
