Portugal, Greece And Spain Engulfed In Scorching Temperatures Beyond Forty Degrees Celsius As Red ‘Extreme Risk’ Alerts Leave UK Holidaymakers Facing Severe Dangers Across Popular Tourist Hotspots

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Published on
August 16, 2025

Portugal, Greece and Spain are facing an unforgiving heatwave with temperatures climbing beyond forty degrees Celsius, forcing authorities to issue red “extreme risk” alerts that directly affect UK holidaymakers. As Seville braces for highs of forty-four degrees, travelers across southern Europe are being warned of health risks, wildfire dangers, and potential disruption to summer travel plans, making this one of the most challenging seasons for tourists in recent years.

Holidaymakers from the UK heading to Spain this week are being urged to prepare for severe weather conditions as the country struggles under the weight of a powerful heatwave. Multiple regions have been placed under a red “extreme risk” alert, with temperatures pushing past the 40°C mark, sparking concerns for public health and raising the threat of wildfires.

This heatwave is not confined to Spain alone. Much of southern Europe is enduring record-breaking temperatures, with Greece and Portugal also fighting flames and coping with dangerous weather patterns. For travelers, especially families and elderly visitors seeking summer escapes, the soaring heat is proving to be a serious challenge.

Spain’s Nationwide Heat Alerts

Spain’s national meteorological service, AEMET, has rolled out a sweeping set of heat warnings across nearly the entire country. These alerts, color-coded as yellow, amber, and red, are designed to reflect the level of danger to public health and the environment.

• Yellow warnings signal risks for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, or those with medical conditions.
• Amber warnings highlight dangerous conditions likely to affect most people, urging the public to avoid unnecessary exposure.
• Red warnings, the most severe, represent “extreme risk” situations where prolonged exposure can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, or even fatalities.

Over the course of four consecutive days, many of Spain’s best-known cities and rural regions will remain on high alert.

Timeline of the Heatwave

Friday, August 15: Northern territories, including Villaverde and Cantabria, were hit with red warnings, with forecasts predicting peaks around 40°C. For regions unaccustomed to such high temperatures, the situation quickly raised alarm.

Saturday, August 16: The spotlight shifted south. Seville, already notorious for being one of Europe’s hottest cities, was placed under a red alert with temperatures forecast to soar to a staggering 44°C. Meanwhile, several other areas including Aragon, Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, Extremadura, Murcia, Navarre, and Valencia faced amber warnings. Simultaneously, Cantabria, Galicia, and the Basque Country were placed under yellow alerts as the north continued to swelter.

Sunday, August 17: Conditions remained severe with continued red warnings in Seville and fresh alerts in Córdoba’s rural countryside, cementing southern Spain as the hardest-hit area.

Monday, August 18: AEMET has indicated that the oppressive heatwave is expected to weaken, offering long-awaited relief after days of extreme conditions. However, meteorologists warn that temperatures may still remain higher than average for August.

Wildfire Threat Escalates

Alongside daily forecasts, AEMET publishes detailed wildfire risk maps that categorize zones from “low risk” to “extreme.” The ongoing heat, coupled with dry winds and parched landscapes, has pushed many areas into the highest risk category.

Already, smaller wildfires have been reported in pockets of Spain, though authorities have managed to contain most of them before they reached populated tourist areas. The risk, however, remains very real, particularly in rural Andalusia, Catalonia, and parts of Castilla y León.

The devastating fires in neighboring Greece and Portugal serve as a stark reminder of how quickly flames can spread once sparked under such conditions. For Spain, keeping fire crews on high alert has become as important as issuing weather warnings.

Impact on Tourism and Daily Life

Spain is one of the most visited destinations for British holidaymakers, particularly in August, when schools are out and families head to the Mediterranean coast. Cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and Seville are popular cultural hubs, while the Balearic and Canary Islands are favored for their beaches.

But the ongoing heatwave is complicating travel plans. Tourists are being advised to:

• Avoid sightseeing during the midday hours when temperatures peak.
• Carry water bottles at all times to prevent dehydration.
• Seek shade in parks, shaded squares, or indoor attractions such as museums.
• Wear light clothing and sun protection, especially for children.

Local authorities have also taken steps to support residents and visitors. Public fountains and hydration points in major cities are being refilled regularly, while medical services remain on standby for heat-related emergencies.

Broader European Picture

The challenges in Spain mirror what is happening across southern Europe. In Greece, authorities have been battling major wildfires near Athens and on several islands, leading to evacuations of residents and tourists. In Portugal, intense heat has triggered alerts across central and northern regions, where firefighters are also combating flames.

These widespread conditions highlight the increasing frequency and severity of summer heatwaves across Europe, a pattern many scientists link to climate change. For tourists, this raises long-term concerns about safety during the summer travel season, particularly in traditionally hot destinations.

Advice for UK Holidaymakers

The UK Foreign Office continues to monitor weather conditions in Spain and neighboring countries, advising citizens to remain aware of local updates and AEMET’s forecasts. Travelers are urged to register for alerts, follow local instructions, and reconsider outdoor activities during peak sun hours.

Those with medical conditions or traveling with young children should be particularly cautious, as extreme heat can worsen respiratory or cardiovascular issues.

Looking Ahead

Although Spain’s latest heatwave is forecast to ease on August 18, it has already left a significant impact on tourism, daily life, and emergency services. For UK travelers heading abroad, this serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for unexpected weather extremes.

Portugal, Greece and Spain are engulfed in a fierce heatwave with temperatures surpassing forty degrees Celsius, forcing red “extreme risk” alerts that put UK tourists on high alert.

As the summer season continues, Spain—and indeed much of Europe—will likely face further heat episodes. For now, the combination of soaring temperatures, wildfire risk, and the strain on public health systems keeps Spain at the center of Europe’s climate struggle.