aemet

Spain’s wildfire danger hotspots revealed in latest AEMET fire risk map

Published

23 hours ago

July 11, 2026

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several serious wildfires have already broken out across Spain this summer. Photo credit: Cavan-Images/shutterstock

Nobody wants to think their afternoon walk, Barbecue or even a discarded cigarette could be the spark that starts Spain’s next major wildfire. But with the country already battling devastating blazes this summer, it’s worth knowing whether your area is now among those facing the highest risk.

Spain’s State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) has identified several parts of the country as facing a high, very high or extreme risk of forest fires, with the danger changing daily depending on temperatures, humidity, wind and how dry the vegetation has become. For anyone planning a countryside walk, a weekend getaway, a camping trip or simply travelling through rural areas, the latest wildfire risk map is becoming just as important as checking the weather forecast.

Why the fire risk is climbing

Hot weather alone does not start wildfires, but it creates the perfect conditions for them to spread. After weeks of high temperatures and little rainfall in many parts of Spain, grassland, woodland and scrub have become increasingly dry. Add strong winds into the mix and even a small spark can quickly develop into a fast-moving blaze.

AEMET updates its forest fire danger map every day using weather forecasts together with information on vegetation, soil moisture and land conditions. The map identifies areas ranging from very low risk through to extreme danger, giving people an idea of where fires are most likely to start and spread. While the map is aimed at helping emergency services prepare, it also gives residents and visitors a chance to understand the level of risk where they are.

A map of Spain highlighting the wildfire rist — Aemet’s fire map

Recent fires show how quickly situations can change

The warnings come after several serious wildfires have already broken out across Spain this summer. In recent days, fires have forced road closures, disrupted train services and led to evacuations as firefighters battled to stop the flames reaching homes and communities.

Some blazes have spread across thousands of hectares in a matter of hours, fuelled by dry vegetation, difficult terrain and changing winds. For many people, these fires are a reminder that conditions can change rapidly. A quiet afternoon in the countryside can quickly turn into an emergency if a fire takes hold.

Everyday mistakes can have devastating consequences

During periods of high or extreme fire risk, authorities regularly remind people that many wildfires are caused by human activity. Throwing a cigarette from a car window, lighting a barbecue in an unsuitable location, using machinery that creates sparks or leaving glass bottles in dry vegetation can all increase the risk.

Even parking a vehicle on long, dry grass can create enough heat underneath the car to start a fire in the right conditions. Most people would never deliberately start a wildfire, but small mistakes during hot weather can have devastating consequences.

Check before you travel

If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, it’s worth checking AEMET’s latest wildfire danger map before setting off. The level of risk changes from day to day, meaning an area that was considered safe earlier in the week may face a much higher danger after temperatures rise or winds strengthen.

Knowing the conditions can also help people avoid activities that may increase the risk, particularly in wooded or rural areas. It is also worth paying attention to any local restrictions that may be introduced, including bans on lighting fires or limits on access to certain natural areas when the danger becomes particularly high.

A map that could make a real difference

Wildfires are becoming an increasingly familiar part of Spanish summers, and firefighters face a race against time every time the alarm is raised. While emergency crews continue preparing for another challenging season, there is something the public can do as well.

Checking the wildfire danger map before heading outdoors takes only a few moments, but it could help prevent the next major blaze. With several parts of Spain already classed as facing a high, very high or extreme risk of forest fires, knowing the conditions in your area is no longer just useful information. This summer, it could make all the difference.

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Wildfires Have Already Consumed 50 Square Kilometres In Spain This Summer – Equal To 35% Of The Entire EU Total

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Spain Braces For Fresh 42C Heatwave Just Days After Deadly June Scorcher

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1 week ago

July 3, 2026

Alessio Ghirlanda

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Thunderstorms Strike Eastern Spain Before 42°C Heatwave

Published

2 weeks ago

June 28, 2026

Adam Woodward

thunderstorms-strike-eastern-spain-before-42°c-heatwave

Summer storms end June in Spain. Credit: Yuriy Semak – Shutterstock

Spanish weather forecasters are saying thunderstorms will affect large parts of the east of the country from Monday before an all-new heat dome causes temperatures to rise above 40ºC in southern valleys by midweek.

Following weekend storms in the north of the country, attention now shifts to eastern areas as heavy showers and storms develop while temperatures begin their climb in southern and central zones.

Monday, June 29, Spain weather: Thunderstorms in east and rising temperatures

Eastern areas are predicted to see mostly clear skies at the start of the day, with moderate rain falling along the Cantabrian coast where accumulations could reach between 5 and 10 litres per square metre. Showers will intensify during the afternoon across the Pyrenees, interior Catalonia, southern Aragon, interior Valencia region, Murcia region, eastern Andalucia mountains and the eastern half of Castilla-La Mancha. Accumulations of 20 to 30 litres per square metre are likely to occur near the centre of the country accompanied by frequent lightning, possible hail and strong wind gusts.

Mucha precaución en zonas de tormenta, sobre todo en carretera. Son tormentas de corta duración, pero con fenómenos adversos en las zonas de paso.
Imágenes la @DGTes de la A3 a su paso por Utiel, Caudete de las Fuentes y la zona del embalse de Contreras. pic.twitter.com/ufNPBrCnIJ

— AEMET Comunitat Valenciana (@AEMET_CValencia) June 28, 2026

Residents in these eastern zones may face sudden changes with storms bringing lightning strikes and gusty conditions that disrupt outdoor plans. The morning rain will stay lighter in northern coastal districts, while afternoon weather cells are expected to concentrate further south and inland. Forecasts from models keep totals manageable yet locally heavy enough to cause surface water in low spots and complicate driving conditions.

Stationary high-pressure systems are trapping a lot of hot air over southern regions and pushing temperatures higher, making for a muggier feel. Heat warnings cover the Guadalquivir Valley, southern plateau and Madrid region, where many locations will exceed 36ºC. Similar highs of 35ºC to 36ºC will continue to affect interior Catalonia and the lower Ebro areas. Extremadura and western parts will also record readings above 36ºC as the warmth builds from the south and west.

Tuesday, June 30, Spain weather: Stability returns with some showers

Some semblance of stability is expected to take hold over most of the country, though with weak rain, especially on the north coast of Spain. Isolated showers will develop in the evening over eastern mountain areas with limited totals expected. Drier air will spread from the west and reduce storm chances across the central and southern interior.

Temperatures then climb even more still, with 40ºC in the Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys. Southern areas will feel the strongest heat, while northern coastal strips remain cooler under lingering cloud and light rain. Models show the heat establishing firmly in these valleys with very little relief overnight in many low-lying areas.

Eastern mountain districts stay the main focus for any late-day activity, though amounts stay small. Most other regions will enjoy longer dry spells as the overall pattern calms compared to Monday. Spanish weather outlooks improve for travel and outdoor events away from the far north coast.

Wednesday, July 1, Spain weather: Lingering showers before heat turns up

Light rain returns to the north coast while afternoon showers form in interior Catalonia and Mallorca. These features stay light and manageable with accumulations well below Monday levels in most places. The rest of the country is expected to see mainly dry conditions under increasing high-pressure influence.

Heat continues to build, with the most extreme readings expected in southern valleys. Forecasts indicate a maximum of 42ºC in Seville, 41ºC in Badajoz and 40ºC in Cordoba by Thursday, though the heat is due to intensify from Tuesday. Guadalquivir and Guadiana areas feel the peak effects first with very little breeze to ease the conditions.
The intense warmth will probably last until Friday, as most Julys begin, when high temperatures extend to the southern plateau and interior Galicia. Spanish heatwave forecasts show this pattern dominating through the middle of next week with minimal rain chances after Wednesday.

Summer has truly arrived in Spain, and the weather shows it.