Severe heat for much of europe – as Met Eirenan issue warning for ‘prolonged heatwave’ at home
Thick smoke rises above Filothei settlement during a wildfire on the outskirts of the northern city of Thessaloniki, Greece(Image: PA Wire)
Wildfires are tearing through Ireland’s most beloved holiday destinations across Spain, Greece, France and Portugal. The continuing extreme heat across much of Europe comes as Met Éireann has issued a warning for Ireland.
Holidaymakers are being urged to ensure their mobile phones are configured to receive emergency alerts, as rapidly spreading blazes force thousands to flee their homes across parts of Europe. Flames have scorched nearly 50,000 acres of land throughout southern Europe – devastating an area roughly equivalent to the entire city of Liverpool.
Authorities have barred spectators from one stage of the Tour de France, amid cautionary warnings of “powder keg” conditions. Thousands of residents have been evacuated while emergency services personnel battle the fast-spreading infernos, following record-breaking early summer heatwaves that sent temperatures soaring beyond 40C across Europe, the Mirror reports.
With temperatures forecast to climb once more this week – a potential third heatwave bringing 40C to Europe and above 31C across the UK – there are growing fears that further fires could ignite. While Ireland has so far avoided the scale of wildfires witnessed in 2025, experts warn that should blazes break out following the recent record-breaking heatwaves, they could prove “more intense.”
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) spokesperson told The Mirror: “While wildfire numbers this year have not yet reached the scale we encountered last year, the risk picture is evolving. If the hot, dry weather continues, we could see wildfires becoming larger, more intense and more challenging for fire and rescue services to tackle.”
In the popular tourist destination of Platja d’Aro beach resort on the Costa Brava, approximately 150 individuals were evacuated, including 70 youngsters from a holiday camp.
Catalan police confirmed a man had been detained on suspicion of igniting the blaze “while he was using an angle grinder by the roadside”.
Firefighters in eastern Spain tackled flames in the Sierra de Espadan Natural Park with over 200 emergency personnel deployed, backed by military units and aircraft.
Wildfires across Catalonia have ravaged 2,000 hectares of woodland, with officials urging locals to remain indoors.
In the isolated foothills of the French Pyrenees close to the Spanish frontier, 700 firefighters were battling to control an uncontained wildfire which triggered the evacuation of more than 10,000 individuals.
French interior minister Laurent Nuñez stated on Monday: “This morning, conditions are deteriorating again,” noting how double the amount of land had burnt in the nation thus far this season compared to the equivalent period last year.
The “gigantic” Pyrenees blaze has almost tripled in scale since Sunday, authorities confirmed, advancing to within 30 metres of properties.
“Climate change is here, we are living the consequences and it is only the start of July,” fire chief for Pyrénées-Orientales Eric Belgioino remarked. “This season is going to be a long one for the soldiers fighting fires. You have to help us.”
Regional prefect Pierre Regnault de la Mothe instructed Tour de France spectators “not to go near the route or to the finish area” of Monday’s third stage of the cycling race through the Pyrenees from Spain into France, stating it would be “limited to the passage of the riders only and vehicles essential to the race”.
Meanwhile, international assistance has been deployed to the Vouzela region of central Portugal, where 1,200 firefighters and 15 aircraft have been tackling an enormous blaze that has been raging for over three days. Residents in parts of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, have been advised to stay indoors and keep their windows and doors closed owing to toxic fumes emanating from a recycling plant consumed by the fire.
The Foreign Office guidance states: “Greece can experience extreme natural phenomena such as earthquakes, wildfires, extreme heat and flash floods. To be alerted to events near where you are located in Greece, make sure your mobile phone is set to allow emergency alerts.”
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