Spain is enduring the most severe day of its first summer heatwave on Tuesday, with five provinces placed under red alerts as thermometers climb toward 42°C. The extreme conditions have forced the cancellation of traditional San Juan bonfires across much of the country, a move driven by heightened wildfire risks.
The State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) has issued red warnings for inland areas of the Basque Country and Cantabria, regions not typically associated with such intense heat. Andalusia has also raised its alert to red, while orange warnings cover roughly ten regions, including Madrid, where temperatures are expected to hover around 40°C. In Extremadura and the Ebro corridor, readings could exceed 42°C and 41°C respectively from midday.
Stifling Nights and Wildfire Fears
Nighttime offers little relief, with forecasts indicating that temperatures will not drop below 25°C across large parts of the country. The persistent heat has heightened concerns about wildfires, which have already devastated 37,968 hectares in Spain between 1 January and 14 June 2026, according to the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). That figure is 2.8 times higher than the same period in 2025 and 24.9% above the decade average.
Catalonia remains on edge, while Castilla-La Mancha, the Valencian Community, and Galicia are on extreme alert. The situation echoes broader European trends, as Europe's second heatwave in a month forces school closures, train cuts, and alcohol bans across the continent.
San Juan Celebrations Scrapped
The wave of cancellations for the San Juan festivities accelerated on Monday. In the Basque Country, the Department of Security declared a pre-emergency situation, advising local councils to avoid lighting fires near woodland. Municipalities including Sopela, Getxo, Barakaldo, Santurtzi, Gernika, and Amorebieta have canceled their bonfires entirely.
Not all towns have opted for a full ban. In Bilbao, the mayor has authorized fires only in urban areas, on concrete surfaces away from vegetation, with firefighters on standby and reinforced safety measures. This compromise reflects the delicate balance between tradition and public safety.
The heatwave is expected to ease from Thursday, when a cooler air mass should bring temperatures back to more seasonal levels. For now, Spain remains in the grip of an episode that underscores the growing impact of extreme weather on daily life and cultural events across Europe.
