While the Generalitat recently issued emergency alerts for extreme winds across Catalonia, for the residents of Miami Platja and l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, the Mestral wind is a daily reality. This geographical phenomenon occurs as air from the Ebro Valley accelerates between mountain ranges, reaching the coast with devastating force.
“"It is practically impossible to control the aircraft, because it is battered like a cork stopper."
Historical records dating back to 1411 describe the wind destroying walls at the Hospital del Coll de Balaguer. Today, scientific data from Ildefonso Irún confirms gusts over 160 km/h. Despite the intensity, the dry air was once a famous therapeutic destination for European patients seeking relief from respiratory issues.
