Spain travel warning as tourists told of ‘extreme’ danger

Spain is currently experiencing an extreme heatwaveMillions of Brits visit Spain each year(Image: Gorka Garcia via Getty Images)

Travellers currently in Spain or planning trips to the country have been issued an “extreme danger” warning, as a brutal heatwave that kicked off in early August continues to bake the European nation with scorching temperatures.

In a fresh alert issued on Friday, August 15, Spain‘s national weather service AEMET declared there is now a “very high or extreme fire danger in most of the country”. The statement from AEMET on X, formerly Twitter, warns: “The danger will remain at very high or extreme levels during the weekend and Monday, days when the heatwave affecting us since the beginning of the month continues.”

Thousands of residents have been forced to flee their homes, with the heatwave triggered by a mass of dry, hot air sweeping across the nation, coupled with relentless summer sunshine. Temperature warnings have blanketed much of the country in recent days, with the severe conditions sparking devastating wildfires.

READ MORE: UK weather maps show temperatures set to plunge to 4C for Brits this AugustREAD MORE: Planes held and passengers stranded at major UK airport after evacuation

A statement from AEMET on Thursday evening issued a “special warning” regarding the heatwave, noting it will be “exceptionally warm Friday in the Cantabrian region” with “very intense heat” gripping the remainder of the country until Monday. AEMET also stated: “It is likely that Monday will be the last day of the heat wave, with more normal temperatures afterward.”

The UK’s Foreign Office advises on its website for individuals to “be aware of your environment when visiting or driving through woodland areas” and further adds: “For information on what to do in the event of a wildfire, visit Civil Protection (website in Spanish).

“Immediately report any fire you see to the emergency services on 112. In the case of wildfires, the situation can change quickly, so you should stay up to date with official advice.”