(MENAFN) A significant wildfire threat is unfolding across southern parts of Europe, as intense heat and arid conditions spark concern in countries such as France, Spain, and Portugal. Authorities have activated high-level warnings and mobilized firefighting units in response.

Reports indicate that the southern French area of Aude was placed under a red fire warning on Tuesday, signifying the most severe alert level. The warning cited an “very high” likelihood of wildfires due to extremely hot weather and dry, gusty winds.

In towns like Narbonne and Castelnaudary, located near Carcassonne — a region recently scorched by July wildfires — temperatures are forecast to climb to 35°C (95°F). Earlier in the month, the same region saw over 1,000 fire personnel combat a blaze that devastated more than 2,000 hectares of land.

Nine additional departments in France, including Herault, Haute-Garonne, Gard, and Bouches-du-Rhône, have been placed under orange alerts, signaling a heightened fire danger.

As stated by reports, "weather conditions make the risk of forest and vegetation fires starting and spreading very high compared to summer norms."

The intense heat is not confined to France alone. Across the Iberian Peninsula, temperatures are currently ranging between 5 to 10 degrees Celsius (41-50°F) above normal for this time of year. Multiple regions in Spain have also been issued orange alerts, according to meteorological updates.

“The heat wave is likely to be long and persist at least until next Sunday,” Aemet said on X.

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