Record Heat Fuels Crisis Across the Continent
Wildfires and extreme heat gripped multiple countries in Europe on Tuesday, with temperatures in some regions surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying heat and dryness, making the continent increasingly vulnerable to such disasters. According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, Europe has warmed at twice the global average since the 1980s, and 2023 was the hottest year on record both regionally and globally.
The combination of soaring temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds has forced mass evacuations, disrupted travel, and put firefighting services under severe strain. Millions of residents and tourists are adapting to what experts call a “new reality” of extreme summer weather.
Spain and Portugal: Fires and Evacuations
In Spain, a blaze outside Madrid claimed the life of a man who suffered burns over 98% of his body. Firefighters, supported by nearly 1,000 soldiers, were tackling fires in Castile and Leon, Castile-La Mancha, Andalusia, and Galicia. Thousands were evacuated, including beachgoers in the country’s south, although some were later allowed to return to their hotels.
In Portugal, over 700 firefighters were deployed to contain a large fire in Trancoso, 350 kilometers northeast of Lisbon. Additional smaller fires were reported in the country’s north.
Turkey: Maritime Traffic Halted Amid Blaze
Northwest Turkey saw a major wildfire in Canakkale province brought largely under control after it swept from agricultural land into forests and residential areas. The fire forced 2,000 evacuations — some by sea — and resulted in 77 hospitalizations due to smoke inhalation. Maritime traffic was suspended during the crisis. Firefighters continue to battle blazes in Manisa and Izmir provinces.
France: Extreme Heat and Fire Risk
Meteo France issued a red alert for much of the country’s southern region as temperatures exceeded 40 Celsius for a second day, with heat expected to spread north into Paris. Local authorities offered free or discounted access to swimming pools. Large parts of central and southern France remain on high fire alert following last week’s deadly blaze in Aude, which is now under control but could reignite in coming weeks.
Greece: Fires Threaten Homes and Industry
Seven major wildfires across western Greece prompted multiple evacuations, destroying homes and businesses. Flames reached the outskirts of Patras, the nation’s third-largest city, threatening an industrial zone. High winds complicated firefighting on the islands of Zakynthos and Kefalonia, while alerts were issued for tourist resorts. Fires also burned on Chios and in several areas of the western mainland. Nationwide, civil protection issued over 20 mobile alerts with evacuation orders and safety instructions.
Britain: Heat Wave Grips the South
In the United Kingdom, temperatures were forecast to reach 34 Celsius (93.2 Fahrenheit) in southern England, including London. A heat wave is officially declared when temperatures exceed 25 Celsius for most of the country, or 28 Celsius in London and surrounding areas, for at least three consecutive days.
The current wave of heat and wildfires underscores the accelerating impact of climate change across Europe. With record temperatures and persistent dry conditions, the risk of severe weather events is expected to remain high, prompting calls for stronger climate adaptation measures and emergency preparedness across the continent.