The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has issued a red alert for extreme heat along the entire coastline of the province of Valencia and the northern coast of the province of Alicante. This rise in temperatures is due to a large mass of hot air that will reach the Valencian coast, driven by westerly winds.
According to forecasts, temperatures could reach 44º in various parts of the Valencian Community and up to 42º in the city of Valencia during the hottest hours of the day. Furthermore, due to high humidity levels, the heat index in coastal areas could reach or even exceed 50º.
An orange alert has also been issued for nearly the entire Valencian Community; inland areas of the three provinces are expected to see temperatures nearing 40º and episodes of dry thunderstorms, especially in the province of Castellón.
The weather situation has forced the Valencian Regional Government to declare a Level 3 alert due to the risk of wildfires and has prompted the Valencia City Council to cancel all types of outdoor activities. Among the measures adopted, access to natural parks in areas under a red alert has been prohibited.
Restrictions and measures adopted in Valencia and the Valencian Community
The Regional Ministry of Emergencies and the Interior has declared Level 3 pre-emergency status under the Special Plan for Forest Fire Risk throughout the Valencian Community from Wednesday, August 19, through Friday, August 21. This means that, in addition to the ban on lighting fires in any forested area, movement and access to natural parks in critical zones are restricted: Sierra d’Espadà, Sierra Calderona, Chera-Sot de Chera, Puebla de San Miguel, Turia, Hoces del Cabriel, the forested area of the Albufera Natural Park, Marjal de Pego-Oliva, Penyal d’Ifac, Sierra de Mariola, Font Roja, Montgó, and Sierra Gelada.
The Valencia City Council has activated a package of emergency measures to ensure public safety and the health of pedestrians:
- Outdoor sports activities organized by the Municipal Sports Foundation have been suspended.
- All of the city’s cooling centers are now open.
- Total closure of the Devesa del Saler until Friday, August 21, and activation of the water cannons.
- The street markets in El Grao, Benimàmet, Avenida del Cid, and the Paseo Marítimo have been suspended.
- Extension of municipal swimming pool hours until 9:00 p.m.
- Closure of municipal cemeteries.
- Closure of the Serranos Towers and the Quart Towers.
- Closure of the Casal d’Esplai.
- Gulliver Park will close at 1:00 p.m. (visitors are advised to avoid playgrounds due to the high temperatures of the playground equipment).
- The Social Emergency Response Centers (CAES) in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Benimaclet, and El Carmen are now open.
- Parks and gardens will remain open, subject to any westerly wind gusts that may occur.
- Construction work and cleaning contracts will be suspended starting at 12:00 p.m., with the exception of garbage trucks and collection vans.
Health authorities recommend limiting sun exposure, especially during peak hours (from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.), protecting yourself with caps or hats, wearing sunglasses, using sunscreen, and staying hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
