Tarragona province has recorded a severe May heatwave, with temperatures reaching 39C in Terra Alta and more than 30C across much of the area, according to meteorological data collected on 29 May.
The Servei Meteorològic de Catalunya, known as Meteocat, said temperatures were expected to rise again on Friday, although with some variation. Coastal and pre-coastal areas should see a slight drop, while inland areas remain hot, and showers are forecast for the Pyrenees.
Thursday’s maximum temperatures went above 35C in low-lying inland areas and several pre-coastal parts of Catalonia, setting numerous May records. For ongoing weather coverage across the region, see our news page.
Across Catalonia, the heat broke records at 31 of the 126 automatic weather stations in the Xarxa d’Estacions Meteorològiques Automàtiques, or XEMA, which have more than 20 years of data. The strongest readings were noted in the Terres de l’Ebre and Empordà regions.
Among the highest values, Vinebre reached 38.5C on 28 May, beating its previous record of 38.2C from 2012. Torroja del Priorat set a new maximum of 37.8C, above the 37.3C recorded in 2022, and Aldover registered 37C, topping its former record of 36.4C.
In Tarragona province, new highs were also recorded in El Montmell, Margalef, Mas de Barberans, Ulldecona, El Perelló, L’Ametlla de Mar and L’Aldea, with temperatures ranging between 33C and 35C. Meteocat’s official updates are available on the Meteocat website.
The heatwave is expected to continue through the weekend and could last into the start of next week. Authorities advise people to take extra care during the middle of the day and to follow the latest forecasts from Meteocat and the Spanish State Meteorological Agency.
