Spain is bracing for a fourth heatwave starting Tuesday, with Environment Minister Sara Aagesen urging caution amid very high wildfire risk after blazes torched 153,000 hectares nationwide since January — six times last year's toll. Eight fires remain active in special situations, with nearly 50,000 hectares burned in Ávila province alone, the region's worst blaze in recent history. High pressure over the Iberian Peninsula is pulling hot air northward from Africa, with peak temperatures expected through Wednesday. Regional authorities in Galicia issued a red alert for inland Pontevedra and suspended outdoor federated sports during afternoon hours.
Across the border, mainland Portugal placed most of its territory under yellow heat warnings through Tuesday evening, with temperatures reaching 40°C in Santarém, Beja and Évora, though the country avoids the full heatwave gripping southern Europe.