Heatwave Threatens to Fuel Wildfires Across France and Spain

A new heatwave is set to spread over Western Europe this week, with meteorologists warning that the combination of soaring temperatures, dry air and strong winds could heighten the wildfire risk in regions where firefighters are already engaged with multiple fires.

This latest heat spell will mark the fourth wave to strike Europe since May, with temperatures projected to climb to 40 °C (104 °F) or higher in parts of France, Spain and Portugal.

Officials note that the synergy of extreme heat, parched vegetation, gusty winds and a prolonged absence of rainfall dramatically increases the likelihood of new fires igniting and existing blazes spreading.

According to the European Forest Fire Information System, areas of southwestern France and northern Spain will remain under “very extreme fire conditions” – the highest category in its forecast – through at least Wednesday. Similar elevated fire danger is also flagged for Portugal, the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Spain’s national weather service, AEMET, has issued a warning for “very intense heat” slated for Tuesday, with temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) or higher expected through at least Thursday across the country’s western, southern and northeastern regions.

France is also bracing for another surge of heat, with temperatures predicted to hit 40 °C in parts of the country, particularly the southwest. Météo-France cautioned that the Mistriven and Tramontane winds – dry, strong gusts that sweep southern France and can persist for days – will commence from Monday, sharply amplifying the wildfire threat in the south.

The agency also reported that, as of July 22, soil moisture levels across France had reached unprecedented lows, further compounding wildfire risk.

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