The Dirección General de Salud Pública of the Generalitat Valenciana declared the highest health-risk level for parts of Castellón province on 4 September 2026 because of extreme temperatures. Accordingly, 21 municipalities are rated red (high risk) and a further 93 orange (moderate risk). The rating was announced by the Conselleria de Sanidad through its channels and relates to forecasts for that day.
Places in three inland comarcas are listed as red. In Baix Maestrat Castell de Cabres and La Pobla de Benifassà were among those named. In Els Ports the list covers 14 municipalities, including Morella, Castellfort, Cinctorres, Forcall, La Mata de Morella, Vallibona and Vilafranca. In Alt Maestrat Ares del Maestrat, Benassal, Catí, La Torre d'en Besora and Vilar de Canes are affected. Orange status applies to municipalities in Alto Mijares, Alto Palancia, Baix Maestrat, Plana Alta, Plana Baixa, Alcalatén and Alt Maestrat; those listed include Almassora, Benicàssim, Castelló de la Plana, Borriana and Vila-real.
The risk rating follows the national “Plan de actuaciones preventivas de los efectos del exceso de temperatura sobre la salud” of the Ministerio de Sanidad. It is based on the Ministry’s MeteoSaludzones and forecasts from the state meteorological agency AEMET. The classification serves as a trigger for preventive advice and coordinated healthcare measures by the authorities, such as prioritising particularly vulnerable people receiving care at home, providing more information through health centres and the possible opening of municipal cooling centres by town councils.
The announcement thus refers to an established procedure: red indicates a high health risk from expected heat exposure, while orange indicates a moderate risk. Specific municipal measures—such as extending the opening hours of air-conditioned public buildings—are at the discretion of the respective town councils and are announced separately.
Health authorities advise avoiding physical exertion during the hottest hours, drinking plenty of fluids, seeking shade or cool spaces and looking out for particularly vulnerable groups such as older people, infants, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Anyone taking regular medication should follow medical advice. Residents of the affected municipalities are asked to follow guidance from the Conselleria de Sanidad, local councils and AEMET.
Editor: Andreas M. Brucker (Article created with AI assistance).