Iberian Peninsula on High Alert as Wildfire Risk Soars Amid Scorching Heatwave

Portugal and Spain have declared a state of high alert due to the escalating risk of wildfires, fueled by an intense heatwave sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula. With temperatures expected to soar between 36 to 44 degrees Celsius, authorities are taking stringent measures to mitigate the danger.

Portugal's Preventative Measures

• Access to forest areas is strictly prohibited under the nation's forest fire defense plans.
• Fireworks, machinery use, and burning activities are banned to prevent accidental fires.
• Five northern districts are on red alert, with the rest on orange, except Faro, which remains on yellow alert.

Spain Braces for Extreme Heat

Spain is facing its second summer heatwave, with temperatures in regions like Andalucía and Extremadura expected to exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The Ministry of Health has issued a "red risk" health alert for hundreds of municipalities, highlighting the severe impact of the heatwave.

Northern Europe Also Affected

Unprecedented heatwaves are hitting typically cold Nordic countries, with Finland experiencing three weeks of temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. Norway and Sweden are also recording unusually high temperatures, leading to wildfires sparked by lightning strikes.

Storms and Heat in Eastern Europe

Eastern Poland is under warnings for storms, heavy rainfall, and heat, with winds reaching up to 80 km/h. The Warmian-Masurian and other voivodeships are particularly affected, facing a mix of extreme weather conditions.

Italy's Weather Shift

After enduring prolonged heatwaves, Italy is now experiencing rainstorms, especially along the Adriatic coast. A recent lightning strike on a beach in Piombino resulted in a dramatic rescue, underscoring the unpredictable nature of this summer's weather.