Portbou, in Alt Empordà, has recorded Catalonia’s highest ever minimum temperature for May, with temperatures not falling below 28C overnight, according to local reports.
The reading points to an early summer heatwave affecting the area. The event was highly localised to Portbou and was linked to a re-heated Tramuntana wind.
The Tramuntana is a strong, dry wind common in Catalonia, and it usually brings cooler air. In this case, it appears to have been warmed significantly before reaching Portbou, helping to keep night-time temperatures unusually high.
Authorities are monitoring weather patterns closely as the region prepares for what could be a difficult summer. Further advisories may be issued if the heatwave intensifies or spreads to other areas.
For more Catalonia-wide updates, see our news coverage.
