The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) maintains warnings for intense heat across a large part of Catalonia, with temperatures possibly reaching 40 degrees Celsius in Segrià and Ribera d'Ebre. In Manlleu, temperatures will remain high, close to forty degrees, during one of the hottest summers on record. In response, Civil Protection has placed the city on the Ter river in level 3 of the Pla Alfa.
The agency, which depends on the Generalitat de Catalunya, urges extreme caution due to the risk of forest fires, which will be at its peak in some parts of Catalonia due to the combination of high temperatures and low vegetation humidity. The public has been asked to avoid any activity that could cause a fire or expose the population to its effects.
The Pla Alfa is active in 108 municipalities across 18 Catalan regions classified as "extreme" risk. Approximately 274 municipalities are at a high risk level, including Manlleu. Furthermore, Agents Rurals has restricted access to seven natural areas, such as the surroundings of Montserrat, the Montsant mountain range, and Baronia de Rialb, to reduce the risk of forest fires and ensure public safety.
The Generalitat Fire Department has implemented an operational reinforcement across all regions. The region to which Manlleu belongs has a risk level of 5 out of 6, and plans include additional Basic Intervention Units, along with the opening of Volunteer Fire Stations. Control Rooms and the Central Fire Station will also be expanded with specialist technicians.
To combat the heat and prevent risks, it is recommended to follow advice such as closing blinds during the day, using sunscreen, opening windows at night, using air conditioning, drinking fresh water regularly, hydrating pets and keeping them out of the sun, wearing light-colored, loose clothing, avoiding going out during the hottest hours, and never leaving children or vulnerable individuals or pets in a closed car. Light meals and foods rich in water are also suggested.
Manlleu offers outdoor spaces to combat the heat, including the Passeig del Ter, the municipal summer pool, and the Embarcador del Ter. It also provides indoor facilities such as the Municipal Library, the Can Puget Exhibition Hall, and the ASVAT building, which houses the retirement home. The city also has a network of public water fountains throughout to aid hydration.
