The 31st annual Meteocat Days conference takes place on Saturday, 21 March 2026, at the prestigious Royal Academy of Sciences and Arts of Barcelona. This year, the event focuses on the increasingly vital connection between meteorology, climate, and public health. Organised by the Catalan Association of Meteorological Observers (ACOM), it precedes World Meteorological Day on March 23.
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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) patrons this global day, whose 2026 theme, “Observing Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” perfectly encapsulates the Barcelona conference’s focus. The day-long programme will gather leading experts from meteorology, medicine, and academia. They will discuss how changing weather patterns and a warming climate directly impact Catalonia’s population. This free event welcomes everyone, from seasoned specialists to curious enthusiasts, though prior registration is required.
A Packed Agenda on Climate and Health
The conference starts at 8:45 am with registration, followed by ACOM President Lluís Pujol’s welcome. Sarai Sarroca, Director of the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat), will officially open the proceedings. The first session delves into the core theme. Dr. Carla Oliva, Director of the Climate Action and Planetary Health section at the Barcelona Medical Association (COMB), will present on the broad health implications of climate change.
Next, Dr. Jacobo Mendioroz, Deputy Director General for Public Health Surveillance and Emergencies, will address extreme temperatures’ specific impacts on at-risk populations in Catalonia. After a mid-morning break, attention will turn to urban environments. Javier Martín Vide, a distinguished professor at the University of Barcelona and Director of the historic Fabra Observatory, will discuss cities’ excess heat challenges and adaptation strategies. This topic is especially relevant as Catalonia plans its long-term climate change response.
The morning session also features a talk by Mireia Udina, a University of Barcelona lecturer, on atmospheric pollution. This persistent issue sometimes causes reduced visibility across the metropolitan area. Professor Emeritus Jeroni Lorente will then conclude the morning with his “Fotomet 2026” audiovisual project presentation.
From Warnings to Public Preparedness
Santi Segalà, Head of the Prediction Area at Meteocat, will lead the afternoon session. He will present on critical systems for issuing public warnings for extreme heat and cold. Meteocat plays a crucial role in public safety, for instance, by issuing alerts for strong winds and rough seas, which guide emergency responses and inform the public.
The conference will culminate in a round table discussion where experts will debate a pressing question: is society sufficiently prepared for the growing threat of temperature extremes? This interactive session aims to foster dialogue and identify key action areas in public policy, urban planning, and healthcare.
As Betevé initially reported, the event underscores a commitment to making complex scientific knowledge accessible to all. To attend the free conference, individuals must register in advance via the Catalan Association of Meteorological Observers (ACOM)’s channels.
