The city of Barcelona has recorded temperatures exceeding 40 ºC for the first time, raising concerns about its ability to withstand sustained extreme heat. The last four summers (2023-2026) have seen four of the five highest recorded temperatures, surpassing historical records.
The month of June has shown a climatic behavior more similar to July, according to data from Meteocat. Aleix Serra, head of data quality control at Meteocat, has warned that in the coming years and decades, temperatures "clearly above 40 ºC are expected in Barcelona and the rest of the coastline".
Climate calculations suggest that such high values could be reached by the end of the century. In light of this prospect, the Barcelona City Council has already initiated preventive actions. Irma Ventayol, head of the Office for Climate Change and Sustainability, explained that scenarios such as reaching 50 ºC or remaining at 45 ºC for three consecutive days are being considered.
These issues are being addressed with health centers, social services, and utility companies (electricity, water) to assess the capacity of facilities and services. The goal is to prepare a simulation starting in 2027, a measure described as "very preventive, structured, and well-planned" to face the future.
In parallel, the council has promoted public space adaptation measures to enhance urban resilience to heat. These include the creation of a network of climate shelters, the implementation of shade zones, and the selection of materials and colors that absorb less heat to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
