Europe Faces Another Heatwave Emergency... 'Heat Dome' Brings Increased Wildfire Risks

Fifth Heatwave of the Summer Since May
Temperatures Near 40 Degrees Across Europe
Wildfire Risks Escalate

This week, another heatwave is expected to sweep across Europe, with intensifying "heat dome" conditions caused by high atmospheric pressure, further elevating the risk of wildfires. This heatwave marks the fifth such event to hit Europe since May this summer.

Wildfire Risk Emergency Across Europe

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) forecast as of August 9 (local time), many regions across the European continent will experience Fire Weather Index (FWI) anomalies corresponding to the highest danger level, "Very Extreme," at least until August 12. This includes parts of southern England, northwestern France, and areas stretching from the Alps to the Balkan Peninsula.

Areas facing one level lower, or "Extreme" fire risk, during the same period include parts of the Iberian Peninsula, central and southern France, and parts of the western Balkan region. In addition, some areas of central and eastern Europe, parts of Türkiye, and parts of North Africa are forecasted to see "Very High" fire risk levels. In contrast, northern Scandinavia and much of Eastern Europe are generally assessed to have low wildfire risk.

Red Alerts for 27 Cities in Italy...France and the UK Also Brace for Heatwaves

Fire hazard level in Europe (August 6-12, 2026). European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) website

Beyond wildfires, heatwave alerts due to high temperatures are also being issued in many parts of Europe. As of August 9, many areas of Western, Central, and Southern Europe remain under heat alerts. According to the New York Times, the highest-level red alerts have been issued for parts of western and southern Italy, as well as western Croatia.

In Italy, elevated temperatures have persisted since August 6. The Italian Ministry of Health has declared red alerts for all 27 cities monitored under its national heatwave surveillance system. On August 9, temperatures in parts of Sardinia, Tuscany, Umbria, Lazio, Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Calabria, and Sicily are forecasted to reach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The heatwave is expected to persist throughout the week across western, central, and southern Italy.

Meanwhile, France’s national meteorological agency, Météo-France, has forecasted that a new heatwave will begin on August 11, warning that wildfire risk will further increase. Between August 12 and 14, most regions in France are expected to see temperatures reaching 35 degrees Celsius, with some areas possibly approaching 40 degrees.

The United Kingdom is also expected to avoid little of the heat. The UK Met Office has forecasted that temperatures will start rising from August 11 and could reach 36 degrees Celsius in parts of East Anglia and southeastern England by August 13. If these forecasts prove accurate, the UK will have recorded temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius for four consecutive months, from May through August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.