The Meteorological Service of Catalonia (SMC) forecasts that temperatures will again reach or exceed 40 ºC on Saturday and Sunday, particularly affecting regions like the Ebro Lands. This past Friday saw the hottest September day in Catalonia, with highs reaching 42.5 ºC in Vinebre, setting a new record for the month at 77 weather stations with over two decades of data.
The Minister of the Interior, Núria Parlon, has urged the public to exercise extreme caution due to the high temperatures and the risk of forest fires, especially when accessing or traveling through natural areas. These exceptionally high temperatures are expected to persist until Tuesday, with a notable drop in thermometers predicted from Wednesday onwards.
The risk of forest fires is set to increase significantly by Sunday. An anticyclone will bring extreme dryness, low humidity, and lack of wind, creating a situation conducive to ignition. In response to this forecast, the Rural Agents corps has activated level 4 of the Alfa plan, indicating extreme danger, in 34 municipalities across 10 regions, including Terra Alta.
The activation of the Alfa plan is based on the forecast of high temperatures, a drastic reduction in relative humidity, and very dry vegetation due to accumulated heat and low rainfall. Rural Agents are reinforcing the call for maximum caution and urging the avoidance of any activity that could cause ignition in natural environments.
