As a mass of hot air from North Africa has entered the region, large parts of Portugal, Spain, and France are currently experiencing a severe heat wave. The high temperatures, the extremely dry circumstances, and ongoing wildfires are urging local authorities to take action.
For the second time since the start of the summer season, southern Europe is dealing with extreme weather conditions. The temperatures, currently reaching 5 to 10°C above normal, and the lack of precipitation are not only increasing the risk of wildfires but are also proving difficult to deal with for the most vulnerable.
🔥Fire danger forecast for 5–12 Aug shows extreme FWI anomalies in:
— Copernicus EMS (@CopernicusEMS) August 5, 2025
🇪🇸Iberian Peninsula
🇫🇷S. France
🇮🇹S. Italy
🇬🇷Greece
🇧🇬Bulgaria & 🇷🇴Romania
E. 🇬🇧UK & 🇮🇪Ireland
Lower danger expected across most of western, central, eastern Europe & Scandinavia.
🔗https://t.co/0AMcHI1gcy pic.twitter.com/YF03TDkQMV
Portugal
In Portugal, the government has declared a “very high” fire risk until at least Thursday, 7 August 2025. The country is currently being hit by the second heatwave of the summer with temperatures reaching 36 to 44°C. While only the north of Portugal has been placed under red alert, travellers should check the local meteorological institute to stay informed about any updates.
Largely due to the severe weather conditions, 25,700 hectares have burned in Portugal since the beginning of the year, according to the European Forest Fire Information System. Over the weekend, several wildfires started throughout the country, more particularly in Vila Real, Celorico de Basto, Fafe, and Arcos de Valdevez. While these are either under control or extinguished at the time of writing, firefighters are showing signs of fatigue.
In an attempt to lower the risks of new fires as much as possible, the Portuguese Interior Minister Maria Lucia Amaral has announced preventive measures that will be applied throughout the week. Access to forests, use of machinery in rural areas, and pyrotechnic devices, including fireworks, are thus currently prohibited.
Portugal declares nationwide wildfire alert due to rising risk, according to the Ministry of Internal Administration. pic.twitter.com/jBZgyhX9lH
— S p r i n t e r (@SprinterObserve) August 4, 2025
Spain
Spain, too, is currently experiencing its second heatwave of the summer. Only the Cantabrian region and the Canary Islands should be spared from the severe weather conditions, while hundreds of municipalities have been placed under red alert with temperatures set to reach up to 42°C. According to the Spanish Meteorological Agency, the heatwave is expected to last until at least Sunday, 10 August.
Just last week, a wildfire in Vilardevos (Ourense) burned down 570 hectares, and firefighters are still present on-site to prevent reignition. Other fires are currently being controlled in the A Coruna municipality of Ponteceso, where at least 400 hectares have been burnt already. Due to arson activity and extremely dry meteorological conditions, local fire troops are having a hard time keeping on top of the situation. Regional Rural Affairs Minister Maria Jose Gomez is thus urging the public to act responsibly.
🔴 El incendio forestal de #Vilardevós arrasa 570 hectáreas y ya es el más grave de lo que va de verano en Galicia
— La Voz de Galicia (@lavozdegalicia) August 3, 2025
🔗 https://t.co/SrpGvTuAvJ pic.twitter.com/nVZwK5ubHC
France
On Tuesday, 5 August, the French meteorological service Météo France has put the Aude department in the southwest on red alert as far as forest fires are concerned. In July, over 2,000 hectares were already burnt down in the Aude. Other regions are under orange or yellow alert due to dry conditions, high temperatures and locally heavy winds.
🚨🔥 A major fire has broken out in France, in the town of Villegailhenc north of Carcassonne, in the Aude region. Over 200 firefighters are battling the flames.pic.twitter.com/hFYJVgLa8k
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) July 31, 2025
Overall, tourists as well as locals are asked to behave responsibly given the current meteorological circumstances. All sources of fire should be handled with care or avoided altogether (including cigarettes and barbecues), and staying informed on any local events is largely encouraged.
