Southern Europe: Heightened risk of travel disruption across the region during wildfire season through end of September

Event

Wildfires are likely to cause sporadic, localized disruptions to transport and business operations in rural areas of southern Europe, including southern France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Turkey, through at least the end of September. Above-average temperatures are forecast across much of the region again this summer after Europe experienced its hottest years on record for consecutive summers in 2021 and 2022. High temperatures have led to intense wildfire activity across parts of southern Europe in recent summers, with 2022 being the second-worst European wildfire season on record, and this trend will likely continue in 2023. Slightly above-average precipitation is forecast across the region over the coming months, which may provide a minor countermeasure to the wildfire threat.

Wildfires are a typical feature of the southern European summer, particularly after long dry spells or during extreme temperatures, and can lead to evacuations, road closures, and ground transport diversions. Disruption to arterial roads is possible. While the emergency services are typically able to contain such fires and implement effective route diversions, authorities could declare local states of emergency to facilitate the emergency response to severe incidents.

Health
Smoke from wildfires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people who have pre-existing respiratory conditions - such as respiratory allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Transport
Heavy smoke can impede visibility, producing hazardous driving conditions on some roads, and could prompt short-notice flight disruptions if wildfires occur near airports. Railways can also experience occasional cancellations of services and long delays.

Advice

Maintain flexible itineraries if traveling in southern Europe, particularly in areas that have recently experienced long, dry spells. Seek updated information on road conditions if planning to travel near areas affected by wildfires; exercise caution if smoke reduces visibility. Review and update emergency action plans in rural areas. If based in an affected area, not under evacuation warnings, consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Heed all instructions from local authorities and emergency response personnel.