France and Spain brace for heatwave that could worsen raging wildfires
France and Spain are facing severe heatwaves that threaten to exacerbate ongoing, dangerous wildfires. Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents as temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Why it matters
The intersection of extreme heat and wildfires highlights the increasing impact of climate change on public safety and regional infrastructure in Europe.
Both countries expect to see temperatures soar into Wednesday, which could cause the blazes to spread.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info A firefighter works to bring a fire in Lege-Cap-Ferret, Gironde department, under control amid drought conditions after heatwaves and water shortages across much of France [Florion Goga/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff , AP and Reuters Published On 28 Jul 2026 28 Jul 2026 The spread of wildfires in France and Spain that had come dangerously close to the cities of Bordeaux and Madrid appears to be slowing, authorities say, but they are bracing for yet another stifling heatwave this week, which could fan the flames of current blazes and ignite new ones.
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