Spain: Ongoing forest fire and heat alerts June 27

Event

A large forest fire is burning in northeast Spain, near Tarragona (Catalonia region), since Wednesday, June 26. Some 350 firefighters have reportedly been dispatched to fight the blaze and at least 53 people have so far been evacuated from the area. The spread of the fire is likely in the coming days.

The fire occurs as the national weather service AEMET issued important heat risk warnings in several regions on Thursday, June 27, including areas in Catalonia and Madrid, as well as an extreme risk heat warnings in Basque Country.

Spain is forecast to experience high temperatures until at least Monday, July 1, although it cannot be ruled out that they may continue for a few more days. The heatwave is expected to bring temperatures as high as 40°C (104°F) with nightly lows not sinking below 20°C (68°F), though likely not falling from 25°C (77°F). The heat wave will affect large areas of the interior of the peninsula, though coastal areas are not expected to reach such high temperatures. The Ebro Valley and the middle and upper basins of the Tagus, Guadiana, and Guadalquivir will be the areas where temperatures are expected to be the highest.

Advice

Individuals in Spain are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the area affected by the fire, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.