Spain endures a 12-day heatwave, expectation of temperatures exceeding 40 degrees
Heatwave Grips Spain and Surrounding Regions, Causing Widespread Concern
A prolonged heatwave has been sweeping across Spain since early August 2025, with temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs. The ongoing heatwave, expected to last until mid-August, has already surpassed the length of the 2022 heatwave and is causing significant impacts on health, safety, environment, and tourism.
Impacts of the Heatwave
The extreme heat presents serious health hazards, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and tourists not acclimatized to such temperatures. Spain has issued red heat warnings, signaling a "significant risk," with the hottest parts of the day being potentially dangerous for people outdoors.
Wildfires have been a concerning byproduct of the heatwave, with numerous blazes erupting across Spain, even near major tourist areas. Thousands of people have been evacuated from homes and hotels due to wildfire threats, and these fires pose direct risks to properties, disrupt travel plans, and generate smoke that reduces air quality and visibility.
Tourism is taking a significant hit as well. High temperatures and wildfire evacuations are leading to cancellations, reduced outdoor activities, and closures of natural parks and beaches for safety. For island destinations like Mallorca, heatwaves cause discomfort and can reduce tourist influx, impacting local economies reliant on summer visitors.
Environmental stress is another consequence of the heatwave, exacerbating drought conditions already present in Spain and southern Europe. This, in turn, affects water availability for residents and tourism facilities, agriculture, and natural ecosystems that attract visitors for their scenic value.
Regions Affected
The heatwave has extended to affect 14 out of 17 autonomous communities in Spain, with temperatures in the southwest expected to reach above 44 degrees on Tuesday. The Canary Islands, including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Tenerife, have been issued a red alert for Saturday and Sunday due to the heatwave.
Neighbouring countries are not immune to the heatwave's effects. Florence in Italy is expected to reach temperatures of 40 degrees, while Bolzano is predicted to reach 38 degrees. The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Barcelona, and the Costa del Sol, are experiencing temperatures around 35 degrees. Nighttime temperatures in Italy will not drop below 20 degrees during this heat period.
International Concerns
Dozens of departments in the south of France have been put on alert for a new heatwave, with temperatures in France predicted to exceed 40 degrees on Sunday. Rome and Naples are expected to reach 36 and 35 degrees, respectively. Florence, Italy, is also expected to reach temperatures of 40 degrees in the coming days.
The ongoing heatwave is a strain not only on human health and tourism but also on the environment. Spanish media report an unusually high number of weakened or prematurely fallen young birds being brought to animal shelters. The heatwave is expected to last until Thursday, but its impacts are already being felt across Europe.
Scientists are concerned that the prolonged heatwave, affecting Spain and surrounding regions, may intensify climate-change effects on the environment. The unexpected rise in temperatures, stirring concern among environmental scientists, could also lead to long-term impacts on our climate-change research.
Due to the heatwave, various regions such as the Canary Islands and Italy are experiencing scorching temperatures, raising questions about the role of environmental-science in monitoring and mitigating these extreme weather events.
