A relentless heatwave is sweeping across southern Europe, triggering deadly wildfires and pushing temperatures above 40°C (104°F) in its wake. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes as flames engulf parts of Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, and the Balkans, with red heat alerts warning of severe health risks.
In Spain, the Aemet weather service warned that Seville and Cordoba could see temperatures reach a scorching 44°C (111.2F). Wildfires have erupted across the country, with Tres Cantos, near Madrid, experiencing a blaze with “explosive characteristics” due to dry storms and 70km/h (43.5mph) winds.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez urged extreme caution, stating: “We are at extreme risk of forest fires.” Nearly 4,000 people were evacuated in Castile and Leon, where flames threatened Las Medulas, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In Andalusia, another 2,000 people fled near Tarifa, a popular tourist destination. Spain’s military emergency unit deployed 1,000 soldiers to combat the wildfires.
Portugal
Neighboring Portugal is battling three major wildfires, with the most severe near Trancoso. Over 1,300 firefighters and 14 aircraft were mobilized, with Morocco sending reinforcements after Portuguese water bombers malfunctioned. Authorities warned that southern regions could hit 44°C, with nighttime temperatures staying above 25°C.
Italy
Italy issued red heat alerts for 16 cities including Rome, Milan, and Florence, as temperatures are expected to hit 40°C later this week. Tragedy struck when a four-year-old Romanian boy died from heatstroke after being found unconscious in a car in Sardinia.
France and Greece
France placed nearly three-quarters of the country under heat alerts, with Paris expecting 36°C and the Rhône Valley facing 40°C.
In a similar manner, Greece saw gale-force winds fueling fires on Zakynthos and Cephalonia, forcing hotel and village evacuations. In Turkey’s Canakkale province, hundreds fled as wildfires raged, leading to the closure of the Dardanelles Strait for firefighting aircraft.
Balkans Under Fire: Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro Evacuations
Albania and Croatia faced mass evacuations, with a major fire in Split contained on Tuesday. Montenegro’s Piperi village was , near Podgorica, was devastated by flames, destroying multiple homes.
UK
While southern Europe burns, the UK faces its fourth heatwave of 2025, with amber and yellow alerts across England and potential highs of 34°C.
Why It Matters
Experts confirm that global warming is making Mediterranean summers hotter and drier, leading to longer wildfire seasons and more destructive blazes.
