Spain's mid‑July 2026 heatwave prompts alerts and emergency measures

The Spanish meteorological agency AEMET issued orange and red heat alerts for most of the country in mid‑July 2026, forecasting maximum temperatures of 40 °C to 45 °C across the east, south‑east and interior regions and up to 34 °C in the Canary Islands. The extreme heat triggered a series of municipal and regional emergency actions. Lorca’s mayor activated a special protection plan, extending street‑cleaning hours and opening municipal buildings as cooling shelters. Valencia suspended outdoor concerts, sports activities and construction work, while the city’s mayor ordered the closure of the Jardines de Viveros concert venue. Alicante opened its “CAUS” centre for the homeless, providing water, food and shaded spaces. Barcelona recorded daytime highs near 38 °C with humidity up to 70 %, raising the heat‑index above 60 °C and prompting the civil protection authority to activate its canicula protocol. Catalonia unveiled a new health‑impact monitoring tool to track heat‑related morbidity and mortality. Authorities warned of “reventones” – sudden thermal bursts accompanied by strong wind gusts – and advised residents to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activity during peak hours, secure outdoor objects and check on vulnerable neighbours. Emergency services kept the 112 hotline open for heat‑related incidents, and many towns issued specific guidance for seniors, children, pets and people with chronic conditions.