Severe Heatwave in Iberia: Fire Alert in Portugal and Spain

A severe heatwave is sweeping across the Iberian Peninsula, with temperatures expected to reach up to 44 degrees Celsius, exceeding the normal levels for the season by 10 degrees. Spain and Portugal are on high alert due to the extremely high risk of fire.

In Portugal, authorities have declared a state of alert due to the risk of fires amid the severe heatwave. The Minister of Interior of Portugal, Maria Lúcia Amaral, announced a ban on access to forest areas.

Spain is facing the second heatwave of the summer, with the Ministry of Health issuing a "red risk" health alert in hundreds of municipalities.

Scandinavian countries are also affected by a "truly unprecedented" heatwave, with temperatures regularly exceeding 30 degrees Celsius.