Spain and France brace for fourth summer heatwave as fires persist

Spain and France are preparing for the onset of a fourth heatwave this summer, as meteorological agencies forecast sustained high temperatures across the Iberian Peninsula and western France. The French Meteo‑France service predicts daytime highs to reach 38 °C in the south, while Spain’s AEMET expects similar peaks in Andalusia and the Mediterranean coast. Both governments have activated emergency protocols, including the issuance of heat‑alert warnings, the opening of cooling centres, and the reinforcement of water supplies for vulnerable populations.

Despite the preventive measures, several wildfires that ignited during earlier heatwaves remain active, particularly in Spain’s Valencia region and France’s Provence‑Alpes‑Côte d’Azur. Firefighters continue to combat the blazes using aerial water drops and ground crews, while authorities have imposed temporary restrictions on outdoor activities and imposed curfews in affected zones. The continuation of these fires underscores the ongoing strain on emergency services as the region confronts repeated extreme heat events this season.