Valencian towns close parks and beaches due to heat and storms

Municipalities adopt preventive measures facing red alert for high temperatures and potential adverse weather phenomena.

Generic image of a Mediterranean town square at night with street furniture.
IA

Generic image of a Mediterranean town square at night with street furniture.

Several municipalities in the Valencian Community have taken preventive measures, including closing parks and monuments and raising red flags on beaches, due to a red alert for high temperatures and storms predicted for Thursday.

Town halls in areas affected by the red alert from the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet), which forecasts temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius and strong winds with possible hail, have activated safety protocols. In addition to the heat, some areas like Baix Segura, Vinalopó, l'Alacantí, and Marina Baixa face storms between 4 PM and 9 PM.
Most coastal town halls, including Alicante, El Campello, and Torrevieja, will fly the red flag to prohibit swimming in the sea, thus avoiding additional risks during the predicted storms. In Alicante, the city council will go further, closing parks, gardens, tree-lined areas, Santa Bárbara Castle, and public viewpoints from 5 PM. Citizen collaboration has also been requested to remove items that the wind might topple.
Other measures in Alicante include the suspension of the Urbanova market, a children's concert, and the jury's visit for the decorated streets contest. To offer a climate refuge for the homeless, the City Council has extended the opening hours of the Social Reception and Emergency Center's gym.
In El Campello, outdoor activities, the municipal summer school, and nautical activities have been suspended. Essential public service workers will need to be available for potential emergencies.
In Benidorm, educational and leisure activities have been adapted, with access to the Sierra Helada and Moralet Park closed, as well as sports facilities (except for swimming pools).
To combat the high temperatures in La Safor, Gandia has extended the opening hours of its municipal swimming pools and will allow free entry. Cool spaces such as social centers and the Archaeological Museum have also been designated as climate refuges.
Torrevieja has set up a cultural center and a sports pavilion as climate refuges, in addition to closing parks and suspending outdoor activities.
Extreme heat has forced the cancellation of festival events. In Alzira, the procession of Sant Bernat and the fireworks display have been canceled due to the risk of fires. In Carlet, the festival program has been adapted, advancing religious events to avoid the central hours of the day.
In Orihuela, the 'Retreta' of the Reconquista festival has been postponed to 10 PM. In Santa Pola, the start of the Gran Alacant festivities has been delayed until 10 PM to ensure attendee well-being and facilitate staff setup.
In Carcaixent, the garbage collection schedule has been modified to start later, preserving the integrity of municipal workers due to the red alert for high temperatures.