Portugal and Spain Brace for Prolonged Heatwave as Wildfire Risk Escalates

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

A fresh heatwave sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula has prompted emergency warnings in both Portugal and Spain, with authorities urging vigilance as the risk of wildfires climbs sharply.

Spain’s meteorological agency, Aemet, has projected that temperatures will remain between 5°C and 10°C above the seasonal average, potentially lasting through the coming weekend. Areas in southern and western Spain, including Andalucia and Extremadura, could see highs reaching 42°C.

In response to the growing threat, Portugal has extended a national wildfire alert until Thursday. Firefighters in both countries are already battling numerous active fires, including a major blaze near the Spanish town of Vilardevos in the northwest, which has consumed approximately 570 hectares of land.

Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) shows that Portugal has lost over 25,700 hectares to wildfires so far in 2025.

Climate experts continue to warn that rising global temperatures—driven largely by fossil fuel emissions—are increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events like heatwaves and wildfires across Europe.