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New Heat Wave Could Intensify Wildfires in France and Spain
The New York Times • • world
Key Points:
- A new heat wave is forecast to hit Western Europe this week, bringing temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or higher to parts of France, Spain, and Portugal, marking the fourth heat wave since May.
- The combination of extreme heat, dry vegetation, gusty winds, and prolonged lack of rainfall is expected to significantly increase wildfire risks, especially in southwestern France, northern Spain, Portugal, Britain, and Ireland.
- Spain’s weather service, AEMET, predicts the heat wave will last until at least Sunday, with temperatures potentially reaching 42°C (108°F), heightening fire danger due to low humidity and strong winds.
- France is also preparing for intensified wildfire threats, with Météo-France warning of rising fire danger across many regions and the arrival of strong Mistral and Tramontane winds in Mediterranean areas.
- Soil moisture levels in France have dropped to unprecedented lows as of July 22, further exacerbating wildfire risks amid the ongoing heat wave.
