A fierce heatwave gripped parts of Europe on Monday, driving temperatures to 43°C in southern France, fuelling wildfire risks and setting off emergency alerts across multiple countries.
In France’s Aude department, hundreds of firefighters stood guard over charred vineyards and Mediterranean scrubland, working tirelessly to keep a massive blaze that is already responsible for 16,000 hectares of destruction last week from reigniting. The national weather agency, Météo-France, placed 12 departments under rare red alerts, its highest heat warning, while 41 others were on orange alert. The microstate of Andorra also issued its own warnings.
“This isn’t normal, it’s a nightmare,” said agricultural climatologist Serge Zaka from Montauban, where temperatures remained relentless throughout the day. Streets in Valence stood empty, cafés closed their terraces, and residents shielded windows with foil to keep out the searing sun.
The current red alert, issued only eight times since its creation in 2004, signals extreme and prolonged heat that poses significant health risks and can disrupt daily life. Local authorities are empowered to cancel outdoor events, close public venues, and adjust school or summer camp schedules.
The heatwave, France’s second this summer, began on Friday and is expected to last through the Aug. 15 holiday weekend, with temperatures pushing northward. Forecasts predict 38°C in Centre-Val de Loire and up to 34°C in Paris.
Bulgaria is also facing dangerous conditions, with temperatures exceeding 40°C and maximum fire danger alerts in place. Nearly 200 fires have been reported, most under control, but three major blazes persist along the borders with Greece and Turkey. One near Strumyani reignited after three weeks. Army helicopters and Swedish aircraft are assisting more than 100 firefighters battling flames in rugged terrain.
Sunday saw Bulgaria set a new national record of 39.9°C, breaking a mark held since 1948. In Hungary, Budapest recorded its highest temperature at 38.7°C. Authorities have imposed a nationwide fire ban amid severe heat and drought.
In Portugal, extreme heat and strong winds have ignited three major wildfires, threatening multiple villages. Around 2,000 firefighters, backed by helicopters and hundreds of vehicles, are tackling blazes in Trancoso’s Freches village, Covilhã’s Sobral de São Miguel, and the Távora-Pereiro area. Seventeen people, including six firefighters, have been injured so far.
Scientists warn Europe is warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, with land temperatures already about 2.3°C above pre-industrial levels. The UK’s Met Office predicts this will be the fourth heatwave in Britain this summer, peaking at 33°C in London on Tuesday. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow health alert for vulnerable groups.
According to the UK-based Carbon Brief, 2025 is on track to be the second- or third-hottest year on record. EU data show burned areas this summer have already exceeded long-term averages, with Spain, Portugal, and Greece facing major outbreaks since late June.