Lorraine Williamson
Spain is heading into Sunday with high temperatures, storm risk in several areas, and continuing concern over wildfires, after a difficult week for emergency services and a Friday blaze near Barcelona that forced thousands of residents indoors.
AEMET’s special heat notice warns that temperatures of 36 °C to 39 °C are likely across much of inland Spain and parts of the Balearic Islands, with the hot spell continuing into the end of the weekend. The agency also says storms are probable in mountain areas in the northern half of the country and in the southern plateau, with some likely to be dry or bring little rain but still produce strong gusts.
The late-night timing makes the warning especially relevant for people planning Sunday travel, beach trips, sports, outdoor events or work. Conditions can change quickly when high heat, dry ground and afternoon storms combine, especially inland, in mountain areas and around rural roads.
Storms may bring wind, hail and little rain
Although many areas will remain dry and sunny, AEMET says storms could develop in mountain zones and spread to nearby areas. In the north-west, storms may bring heavy or locally very heavy showers and hail; elsewhere, they may be dry or bring only limited rainfall, which can increase fire concern if lightning and strong gusts arrive without meaningful rain.
Saturday already brought a hot and unsettled pattern across several regions, with warnings for high temperatures in Aragón, the Balearic Islands, Castilla-La Mancha, Catalonia, Navarra and La Rioja. Temperatures were expected to reach 36 °C to 38 °C in the Ebro and Guadalquivir valleys, while storms were possible in the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian side of Navarra.
Aragón remains under Rojo Plus alert
In Aragón, the regional government’s Rojo Plus wildfire alert remains in force until Sunday, June 28. The measure is the highest level of fire-risk restriction in the community and applies across the whole region because of extreme conditions.
The restrictions include bans on lighting fires in open spaces, burning agricultural or forest waste, using machinery that could generate sparks in or near woodland, using fireworks, and holding certain public or sporting events in forest areas. Vehicle access to mountains is also limited, although essential rural work, access to homes and emergency operations are allowed under specific conditions.
The warning follows major fires in the region, including the Tamarite de Litera fire in Huesca, which was stabilised on Saturday morning. Around 200 residents from Azanuy, Alins and Calasanz were allowed to return home from 1.00 pm, although emergency teams continued working in the area and some road restrictions remained in place.
The affected perimeter in Tamarite de Litera was estimated at around 4,400 hectares, with about 3,500 hectares thought to have burned, although final figures had not yet been confirmed. Authorities reduced the emergency level after the fire was stabilised, but residents returning to evacuated villages were advised to remain within built-up areas while crews continued their work.
Barcelona fire controlled after confining residents
Near Barcelona, firefighters brought the Tiana fire under control on Friday after it burned around 48 hectares in the Sierra de Marina area. The blaze forced temporary confinement orders in Tiana, Sant Fost de Campsentelles, Santa Maria de Martorelles and Martorelles, while smoke was visible from parts of the Barcelona metropolitan area.
Mossos d’Esquadra detained a suspect allegedly linked to the origin of the Tiana fire, which officials said may have started in several separate points. No serious personal injuries or damage to homes were reported, although one firefighter was evacuated after suffering heat stress.
The case has added to concerns about fire risk during periods of extreme heat. It also showed how quickly authorities can move from a local fire response to wider public safety measures, including emergency mobile alerts, road closures and orders for residents to stay indoors.
Health advice during high heat
Spain’s Ministry of Health recommends drinking water frequently, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, using sun protection, wearing light clothing and reducing physical activity during the hottest hours of the day. It also reminds people never to leave anyone inside a closed, parked vehicle.
Protection Civil has also urged people to limit sun exposure, check on those most at risk and take precautions against forest fires. Older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and those living alone are among the groups most vulnerable during prolonged heat.
Anyone travelling on Sunday, heading inland, going to the beach, walking dogs, attending outdoor events or working outside should check the latest local weather and emergency advice before setting off. With high temperatures, dry ground and storms all in the mix, Spain’s summer risk is not only about heat.