Portugal fires - live: Fears of new wildfires as blistering 37C heat sparks warnings over extreme weather
Portuguese authorities fear new wildfires could spark as blistering 37C heat has provoked extreme weather warnings.
Yellow warnings - the lowest level on a three-tier scale - will remain in place across the Beja and Faro districts until 10 August at the minimum, with the Met Office anticipating that, on Friday, temperatures will reach highs of 37C across Faro in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
Vitor Vaz Pinto, regional commander of the emergency and civil protection authority (ANEPC), said on Wednesday the wildfire in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, was brought under control at 10.15am.
The wildfire started on Saturday, but high temperatures and strong winds hampered efforts by more than 1,000 firefighters and water-dousing planes to extinguish the flames, which destroyed some 8,400 hectares, according to preliminary data.
For now, firefighters, water-dousing planes and bulldozers being used to prevent the spread of the fire will remain on the ground and then gradually be demobilised, Vaz Pinto said.
Temperatures have now dropped along the Portuguese coast but remain high across the countryside, with around 100 municipalities remaining at maximum risk of wildfires.
The biggest blaze, in the northeast, burned about 600 hectares (1,500 acres) and required the evacuation of 150 people.
Key Points
Portugal wildfire visible from space
Wildfire tamed in southern Portugal, but authorities stay on alert
Top rural hotel destroyed by wildfires
Yellow warnings to remain in place across Beja and Faro districts until 10 August
‘Not much active flame’ in Odemira wildfire, regional commander says
07:20 , Katy Clifton
Thanks for following our live updates, we are pausing our coverage for now.
Norway river dam partly collapses after floods
07:10 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Following days of intense flooding, a dam situated on Norway’s Gloma River succumbed to collapse. The Gloma River stands as Norway’s lengthiest watercourse.
Visuals broadcasted on television unveiled water gushing through a rupture in the 45-year-old Braskereidfoss power dam.
Halfslund, the utility company overseeing the dam, noted that the water’s outflow exhibited an organised pattern in the aftermath of the breach.
A spokesperson from the police department said that there were no immediate indications of substantial flooding downstream.
Earlier on, authorities had contemplated detonating one of the dam’s hatches but ultimately dismissed the idea due to concerns about managing the resultant explosion.
Climate change is contributing to extreme weather, UN meteorologist Lorenzo Labrador says
06:45 , Maroosha Muzaffar
According to Lorenzo Labrador, a scientific expert at the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization, the impact of climate change amplifies the “intensity” of extreme weather occurrences.
While pinpointing a direct connection between any individual event and climate change remains challenging, alterations in the global climate elevate both the likelihood and the magnitude of such incidents.
Mr Labrador emphasised that the ongoing heatwaves and wildfires across the globe transpire “in the context of the hottest July ever recorded”.
“The temperatures in July were 0.72 degrees Celsius warmer than the 1991 to 2020 period and 1.5 degrees warmer than the pre-industrial era,” he said.
In light of the extreme weather, Mr Labrador urged countries to “drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon emissions.”
“As the scientific community has agreed, we have about a seven-year window of opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to about half of what they are now,” he stressed.
Climate crisis made July hotter for four out of five humans on Earth
06:18 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Human-caused global warming made July hotter for four out of five people on Earth, with more than 2 billion people feeling climate change-boosted warmth daily, according to a flash study.
More than 6.5 billion people, or 81% of the world’s population, sweated through at least one day where climate change had a significant effect on the average daily temperature, according to a new report issued Wednesday by Climate Central, a science nonprofit that has figured a way to calculate how much climate change has affected daily weather.
“We really are experiencing climate change just about everywhere,” said Climate Central Vice President for Science Andrew Pershing.
Climate crisis made July hotter for four out of five humans on Earth
UK needs ‘cultural shift’ over heatwaves, says British Red Cross
05:43 , Maroosha Muzaffar
The UK needs a “cultural shift” in how people think about heatwaves, the British Red Cross has said, after polling revealed that more than a third of adults see it only as a future problem.
A European-wide scientific study recently estimated that more than 3,000 people died from heat in the UK last summer while the Office for National Statistics recorded about the same number of excess deaths for that period.
Scientists have described extreme heat as a “silent killer” as it is most lethal to people behind closed doors.
The over-75s and people with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses are particularly at risk during periods of sustained heat as their bodies can lose the ability to cool down.
UK needs ‘cultural shift’ over heatwaves, says British Red Cross
ICYMI: Portugal wildfires see thousands of people evacuated amid 46C heatwave
04:55 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal where 1,400 people have been evacuated in a 46C heatwave.
The wildfire started on Saturday in the Odemira region on the west coast but it has since spread south towards the tourist hotspot of the Algarve.
Nine have reportedly been injured as a result of the fire.
High temperatures and strong winds have continued into Tuesday with two active fronts of the fire have now been confirmed – with one spreading towards the picturesque Monchique village.
Portugal wildfires see thousands evacuated amid 46C heatwave
Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?
04:21 , Maroosha Muzaffar
Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.
This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal.
The fire started on Saturday 5 August in the Odemira area north of the Algarve, and since then has swept south.
Some 800 firefighters have been brought in to tackle the flames, while more than 1,400 people have so far been evacuated from their homes.
Around 6,700 hectares of land have already been destroyed by the blaze, which has been difficult to control amid soaring temperatures and high winds.
Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?
More than 1,400 people forced to flee flames
04:00 , Jane Dalton
At least 1,400 people in Portugal were forced to leave villages and a camp site as a precaution, as more than 1,000 firefighters battled three major fires:
Temperatures soar in Iberia as wildfires force the evacuation of 1,400 in Portugal
Six killed in Hawaii wildfires
03:00 , Jane Dalton
Wildfires fanned by the winds of a distant hurricane killed at least six people and caused extensive damage on Hawaii’s Maui island on Wednesday, officials said.
The western side of the island, including the tourist resort of Lahaina, was nearly cut off, with only one highway still open, as officials told of widespread devastation.
West Maui was closed to everyone except emergency workers.
Panicked people fleeing the flames posted videos and photos on social media showing apocalyptic clouds of smoke billowing up over formerly once-idyllic beaches and palm trees.
“Our main focus now is to save lives,” Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen said.
Portuguese countryside still suffering heatwave
02:00 , Jane Dalton
Temperatures have now dropped along the Portuguese coast but remain high across the countryside, as firefighters, water-dousing planes and bulldozers being used to prevent the spread of the fire remain on the ground.
A huge blaze that erupted over the weekend, razing thousands of hectares of forest in southern Portugal, is now under control.
High temperatures and strong winds hampered efforts by more than 1,000 firefighters and water-dousing planes to extinguish the flames, which destroyed some 8,400 hectares, according to preliminary data.
Temperatures in many areas rose above 40C.
British family flee ‘Armageddon’ in Portugal
01:00 , Jane Dalton
British family who were on holiday in Portugal have described fleeing from the “Armageddon” wildfires.
Miranda Harvie-Watt and her family had to escape when the fire came close to their property in São Teotónio.
The 52-year-old told the BBC: “It was like Armageddon, I’ve never seen anything like it.
“Our home is still standing which is incredible as the fires are all around us but so far so good.”
The Hampshire family praised the emergency services’ efforts to control the blazes amid strong winds.
Sweltering Europeans embrace air conditioning
Thursday 10 August 2023 00:01 , Jane Dalton
European air-conditioning has picked up from 10% in 2000 to 19% last year, according to the International Energy Agency. That is still well shy of the United States, at around 90%.
Many in Europe resist due to cost, concern about environmental impact and even suspicions of adverse health impacts from cold air currents, including colds, a stiff neck, or worse:
As the summer breezes fade, sweltering Europeans give air conditioning a skeptical embrace
Climate crisis made July hotter for four out of five people
Wednesday 9 August 2023 23:00 , Jane Dalton
ICYMI: Human-caused global warming made July hotter for four out of five people on Earth, with more than 2 billion people feeling climate change-boosted warmth daily, according to a flash study.
More than 6.5 billion people, or 81% of the world’s population, sweated through at least one day where climate change had a significant effect on the average daily temperature, according to a new report:
Climate crisis made July hotter for four out of five humans on Earth
Spanish glacier melts to just half a sq km
Wednesday 9 August 2023 21:39 , Jane Dalton
As Spain suffocates under high temperatures, ice on its mountains is melting.
The Cryosphere, a scientific journal focused on frozen water and ground, has published a peer-reviewed paper showing how the Aneto Glacier, the largest in the Pyrenees, is melting and could disappear altogether.
The paper shows the glacier lost about two-thirds of its surface area between 1981 and 2022 and has been reduced to just half a square km. The glacier’s mean ice thickness was reduced by about 30 metres in the same period.
The melting accelerated in 2021 and 2022, both particularly warm years in Spain.
Voices: The climate crisis will irrevocably change how we holiday: Here’s what the future of travel looks like
Wednesday 9 August 2023 18:15 , Eleanor Noyce
Without fail, when summer unfurls each year, I’m gripped by the urge to escape these often cloudy shores to lie in the sun. I’m British, after all, and can’t shake our peculiar attitude towards the closest star to Earth: when rays of UV light bear down, I feel the pressure to soak them up lest I never feel their warmth again. Our friends on the continent aren’t burdened with such tendencies, instead holding a more nonchalant attitude to summertime.
Another summer, another ravaging of Europe by meteorological forces – surely the way we travel has to adapt? From swapping Greece for Portugal to delaying trips until the autumn, this is how our getaways are set for a shake-up, finds Benjamin Parker:
All change: The climate crisis will irrevocably alter how we holiday
People are jumping into the ocean to escape Hawaii wildfires on Maui
Wednesday 9 August 2023 17:30 , Eleanor Noyce
The US Coast Guard has rescued 12 people who jumped into the ocean to escape flames and smoke from one of several wildfires burning out of control across Hawaii, officials say.
Evacuations are underway across multiple Hawaiian islands after wildfires fuelled by 70mph (112kms) wind gusts from Hurricane Dora destroyed buildings, cut off power to 15,000 residents and burned through thousands of acres.
A dozen residents were pulled from the water off the coast of Lahaina, on Maui, after “entering the ocean due to smoke and fire conditions”, according to a Maui County emergency alert.
Read more:
People are jumping into the ocean to escape Hawaii wildfires on Maui
Hawaii wildfires burn homes and force evacuations, while strong winds complicate the fight
Wednesday 9 August 2023 16:45 , Eleanor Noyce
The National Weather Service said Hurricane Dora, which was passing to the south of the island chain at a safe distance of 500 miles (805 kilometres), was partly to blame for gusts above 60 mph (97 kph) that knocked out power as night fell, rattled homes and grounded firefighting helicopters.
Dangerous fire conditions created by strong winds and low humidity were expected to last through Wednesday afternoon, the weather service said.
Jennifer Sinco Kelleher has the full story:
Hawaii wildfires burn homes and force evacuations, while strong winds complicate the fight
Top rural hotel destroyed by wildfires
Wednesday 9 August 2023 16:00 , Eleanor Noyce
A top rural hotel in Portugal has been destroyed by the wildfires, with the owner since criticising the response from local authorities.
Luisa Botelho and her ex-husband Paulo Camacho turned Teima Alentejo SW into an award-winning country hotel almost 10 years ago.
Welcoming holidaymakers from across the world, Teima is located in the Juncal Valley, a 15-minute drive from the Alentejo coast resort of Zambujeira do Mar.
The B&B was voted the best rural hotel in Portugal in 2017, later receiving the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award in 2021.
“Teima has been consumed by flames. This special place to which we dedicated all our lives now has a deep wound”, Ms Botelho told reporter Natalia Penza.
“We will be closed until this wound heals, until we are once again able to welcome our customers and friends as we always have.
“We will need everyone’s help so that we can shine again. We will provide updates soon.”
She later criticised the response from local authorities, telling local press that as the main house was in flames, there was “not a single firefighter.”
“I asked the police and firefighters for help because I realised the property was going to burn”, she said.
“We had to leave around 1pm on Saturday and at 5.30pm I was desperate with no news and went through hills and valleys and saw the main house was on fire and there was not a single firefighter.”
Spain roasts as summer's third heatwave peaks
Wednesday 9 August 2023 15:15 , Eleanor Noyce
Spain’s third heatwave of the summer was set to reach its peak on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching as high as 44C in central and southern Spain and authorities warning of the risk of wildfires.
The mercury could also rise to 40C in the Basque Country in northeastern Spain, an area less accustomed to such high temperatures, the state weather agency AEMET said.
It warned of so-called dry storms - thunder and lightning without rainfall - in many parts of the country.
Southern European countries have been grappling with record-breaking temperatures this summer, prompting authorities to warn of health risks, particularly for the elderly and those with medical conditions.
Temperatures in some areas in the southern half of Spain remained above 27C on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, AEMET spokesperson Ruben del Campo said.
“Wednesday will be the most intense day in terms of extension and temperatures,” Del Campo said, adding that the heatwave will continue until the weekend.
With the tourist season also hitting its peak, sightseers in Madrid were getting more sun than they bargained for. Visitors waiting in line at the Prado Museum were sprayed with water by employees. Tourists said they were keeping to the shade, drinking lots of water and eating ice cream to stay cool.
The heatwaves recorded in Spain and wider Europe this summer have worsened a prolonged drought, lowering reservoir levels as water evaporation and consumption increase and prompting authorities in Catalonia to impose new water usage restrictions.
Odemira wildfire causes 42 injuries
Wednesday 9 August 2023 15:00 , Eleanor Noyce
The wildfire in Odemira - which was considered under control on Wednesday morning with little ‘active’ flame - caused 42 injuries.
At the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) briefing on Wednesday morning, regional commander Vítor Vaz Pinto added that nine of the 42 injured required hospital treatment, Publico reports.
Meanwhile, 1,459 people in total were displaced by the National Republican Guard (GNR) from the impacted areas, with 124 pets also evacuated as a preventative measure.
Yellow warnings to remain in place across Beja and Faro districts until 10 August
Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:56 , Eleanor Noyce
Portuguese authorities fear new wildfires could spark as blistering 37C heat has provoked extreme weather warnings.
Yellow warnings - the lowest level on a three-tier scale - will remain in place across the Beja and Faro districts until 10 August at the minimum, with the Met Office anticipating that, on Friday, temperatures will reach highs of 37C across Faro in the Algarve region of southern Portugal.
Vitor Vaz Pinto, regional commander of the emergency and civil protection authority (ANEPC), said on Wednesday the wildfire in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, was brought under control at 10.15am.
For now, firefighters, water-dousing planes and bulldozers being used to prevent the spread of the fire will remain on the ground and then gradually be demobilised, Vaz Pinto said.
Temperatures have now dropped along the Portuguese coast but remain high across the countryside, with around 100 municipalities remaining at maximum risk of wildfires.
Wildfire tamed in southern Portugal, but authorities stay on alert
Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:28 , Eleanor Noyce
A huge blaze that erupted over the weekend, razing thousands of hectares of forest in southern Portugal, is now under control though authorities said firefighters would remain on the ground as a precaution in case of flareups.
Vitor Vaz Pinto, regional commander of the emergency and civil protection authority (ANEPC), said on Wednesday the wildfire in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, was brought under control at 10.15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT).
The wildfire started on Saturday, but high temperatures and strong winds hampered efforts by more than 1,000 firefighters and water-dousing planes to extinguish the flames, which destroyed some 8,400 hectares, according to preliminary data.
The weather conditions helped the blaze spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal‘s top tourist destinations, and forced the evacuation of about 1,400 people, most of whom have returned home.
For now, firefighters, water-dousing planes and bulldozers being used to prevent the spread of the fire will remain on the ground and then gradually be demobilised, Vaz Pinto said.
Vaz Pinto said firefighters would keep a close eye on the southern front of the wildfire, near Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside, as there were still concerns it could reignite.
This summer, most southern European countries have been grappling with record-breaking temperatures during the peak tourist season, prompting authorities to warn of health risks.
Like other nations in Southern Europe, Portugal experienced high temperatures in recent days, with thermometers exceeding 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in various parts of the country.
Temperatures have now dropped along the Portuguese coast but remain high across the countryside. Around 100 Portuguese municipalities are at maximum risk of wildfires.
‘Not much active flame’ in Odemira wildfire, regional commander says
Wednesday 9 August 2023 14:15 , Eleanor Noyce
The wildfire in Odemira was considered under control at 10.15am on Wednesday morning, according to reports by Portuguese media.
“There is not much active flame and what exists is inside the burnt [land]. We are in a position to declare the fire under control. We have some points that deserve some attention. We’re going to have a lot of reactivations during the day because the wind has changed quadrants”, Vítor Vaz Pinto, regional commander of the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) said, Publico reports.
8,400 hectares have burned, smaller than forecast on Tuesday, with 15 aircraft and 320 vehicles remaining on site.
Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave
Wednesday 9 August 2023 13:30 , Eleanor Noyce
Hundreds of firefighters have scrambled to put out wildfires now raging in Portugal as temperatures topped 46C during the country’s third heatwave of the year.
The blaze began on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region, but it has now spread south towards the Algarve.
One of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, it is currently being fought by over 800 firefighters, at least nine of whom have been injured.
Read more:
Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave
‘We had to scramble...nobody was there to help us’, says local farmer
Wednesday 9 August 2023 12:45 , Eleanor Noyce
Nineteen villages, four tourist resorts and a campsite have been evacuated and roads cordoned off as wildfires rage across southern Portugal.
Ana Costa, a local farmer, said of the fires: “It was terrible, there were flames everywhere and we had to scramble. Nobody was there to help us, thankfully I had three friends who came to help”, MailOnline reports.
Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?
Wednesday 9 August 2023 11:58 , Eleanor Noyce
Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.
This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal.
The fire started on Saturday 5 August in the Odemira area north of the Algarve, and since then has swept south.
My colleague Helen Coffey reports:
Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office staff ‘stand ready’ to support British tourists in Portugal
Wednesday 9 August 2023 11:15 , Eleanor Noyce
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has confirmed its staff ‘stand ready’ to support British tourists in Portugal as wildfires ravage the south of the country.
“We have not been approached for consular assistance, but our staff stand ready to support British Nationals overseas 24/7”, a spokesperson told The Independent.
Mapped: Wildfires in Portugal as ‘two active fronts’ confirmed
Wednesday 9 August 2023 10:30 , Eleanor Noyce
Extreme heat and billowing winds have created the perfect storm for fires to rip through swathes of land in Portugal and Italy.
Portugal is facing wildfires raging across the south of the country, with more than 850 firefighters battling to put out the flames. The first wildfire started in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region on Saturday, but it has since spread south towards the Algarve.
The local mayor confirmed that there are two active fronts in both Odemira and Monchique. Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside, last burned in 2018. It is popular amongst locals and tourists due to its thermal springs and hotels.
Elsewhere in the country, a fire broke out in Ourém, in the district of Santarém, on Sunday but has since been brought under control. A nearby fire in the district of Leiria - in Caranguejeira and Arrabal - was extinguished on Tuesday morning.
Odemira’s mayor, Helder Guerreiro, called the situation “critical, difficult and complex” while Jose Ribeiro, commander of the emergency and civil protection authority, said there was a “lot of work” ahead to bring the wildfire under control.
The Portugal wildfires have now scorched thousands of hectares of land and forced the evacuation of around 1,400 people.
Wildfires in southern Europe only ‘dampened’ demand ‘temporarily', holiday firm reports
Wednesday 9 August 2023 09:45 , Eleanor Noyce
Holiday firm Tui said it has swung to a third-quarter profit for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic after seeing very high demand for holiday travel.
The heatwave leading to crippling temperatures in parts of Europe and wildfires in the southern of the continent only “dampened temporarily” demand for trips to the Mediterranean, the group said.
Tui reported underlying group earnings before interest and tax of 169 million euros (£145 million) in the third quarter, up from a loss of 27 million euros (£23 million) this time last year.
Revenues surged by nearly a fifth over the period and summer bookings have been 6% higher compared to last year, partly due to higher prices, the firm reported.
“The Mediterranean remains the most sought-after destination for summer holidays.
“The heatwave in Northern Europe in June and the wildfires in southern Europe have only dampened temporarily the previously strong development - but overall it will be a very good travel summer and a good year for Tui in 2023.
“We are investing today to continue to significantly grow profitably in the future.”
Tui’s chief executive Sebastian Ebel said: “Summer 2023 is going very well and demand for holidays remains high.
Map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy
Wednesday 9 August 2023 09:00 , Stuti Mishra
Wildfires have ravaged two countries in Europe this week, forcing thousands of evacuations as firefighters battle on in tinderbox conditions.
Extreme heat and billowing winds have created the perfect storm for fires to rip through swathes of land in Portugal and Italy.
Portugal is facing wildfires raging across the south of the country, with more than 850 firefighters battling to put out the flames.
Here’s the map showing where the fires are:
Europe wildfires map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy
In pictures: Firefighters continue battle against Portugal blazes
Wednesday 9 August 2023 08:52 , Eleanor Noyce
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling a series of wildfires in Portugal as it and neighbouring Spain experience several days of extreme summer heat, with temperatures in many areas rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 F).
Three major fires raged in Portugal on Tuesday, with the biggest in the southwest near the town of Odemira, where on Monday about 1,400 people were evacuated from villages and a campsite as a precaution. They were gradually returning home on Tuesday.
The National Civil Protection Service said about 1,000 firefighters, 320 vehicles and nine aircraft were deployed at that fire on Tuesday. It has so far scorched around 7,000 hectares (17,300 acres).
What is the weather forecast for Portugal today?
Wednesday 9 August 2023 08:15 , Stuti Mishra
Hundreds of firefighters have scrambled to put out wildfires now raging in Portugal as temperatures topped 46C during the country’s third heatwave of the year.
On Monday, Portuguese weather agency IPMA issued six red alerts for extreme heat across the country, including across the capital, Lisbon. Meanwhile, on Tuesday three districts in the country’s north were issued with the same warning as temperatures were expected to rise once again.
Eleanor Noyce has the weather forecast for the coming days here:
Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave
Wildfires raging in Hawaii burn homes
Wednesday 9 August 2023 07:30 , Stuti Mishra
Wildfires also erupted in several Hawaii communities forcing people to evacuate as the blaze destroyed at least two homes as of today morning.
Two regions. Maui and the Big Island were contending with wildfires. One Maui fire in Lahaina was contained, but firefighters were still dealing with another in the Kula area.
Two homes were destroyed in a fire that engulfed about 1,100 acres, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said. About 80 people were evacuated from 40 homes, he said.
"We're trying to protect homes in the community," Big Island Mayor Mitch Roth said of evacuating about 400 homes in four communities in the northern part of the island. As of today morning, the roof of one house caught on fire, he said.
Because of the wind gusts, helicopters aren't able to dump water on the fires from the sky — or gauge more precise fire sizes, Mr Roth said.
Read more:
It's very windy and dry in Hawaii. Strong gusts complicate wildfires and prompt evacuations
Spain wildfires largely controlled, officials say
Wednesday 9 August 2023 07:00 , Stuti Mishra
Spain is faring better with its wildfires this week despite the high temperatures of the country's third heat wave this summer.
Officials said three fires that started over the weekend have been brought under control or had been extinguished by today.
The biggest blaze, in the northeast, burned about 600 hectares and required the evacuation of 150 people.
The only fire out of control in Spain is in the southwest near the Portuguese border. Some 20 people in two rural hostels were evacuated. Strong winds were reported to be complicating firefighting efforts.
Spain's AEMET weather agency said temperatures will continue to rise at least until Friday, with some areas of the southern Andalusia region hitting 44 C (111 F).
A drought in Spain for the past two years has led to water restrictions in several parts of the country. Spain's Ecological Transition Ministry said Tuesday that reservoirs nationally were at 41 per cent of their capacity owing to high temperatures and the severe lack of rain.
Temperatures soar in Iberia amid wildfires
Wednesday 9 August 2023 06:30 , Stuti Mishra
More than 1,000 firefighters are battling a series of wildfires in Portugal as it and neighbouring Spain experience several days of extreme summer heat, with temperatures in many areas rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104F).
On Monday, the city of Santarem, about 80km northeast of the capital, Lisbon, set the year's highest temperature at 46.4C (115.5F). Temperatures are forecast to fall nationwide from today, though they will mostly remain above 30C (86F).
Day 4 of Portugal wildfires
Wednesday 9 August 2023 06:05 , Stuti Mishra
High temperatures and strong winds continue to hamper efforts to control wildfires raging in Portugal that have scorched thousands of hectares and forced the evacuation of about 1,400 people.
The wildfires, which started on Saturday in the municipality of Odemira in Alentejo region, have since spread south towards the Algarve, one of Portugal’s top tourist destinations.
Jose Ribeiro, regional commander of the emergency and civil protection authority (ANPC), said weather conditions were expected to remain challenging.
“It is a worrying situation,” Mr Ribeiro told reporters on Tuesday, adding there were two active fronts, with one heading to Monchique, a lush green mountainous area in the Algarve’s countryside.
Portugal wildfire visible from space
Wednesday 9 August 2023 05:16 , Stuti Mishra
The wildfires in Portugal have grown so big they're visible from space.
This satellite image released by the European space agency Copernicus shows the size and extent of the raging fires.
As storms rise, cholera cases increase
Wednesday 9 August 2023 22:07 , Jane Dalton
The World Health Organization says climate change is aggravating the acute global upsurge of cholera:
As climate change leads to more and wetter storms, cholera cases are on the rise
Wednesday 9 August 2023 00:15 , Andy Gregory
We’re going to pause live updates on the blog for tonight, thanks for following here.
My colleagues will be back in a few hours’ time to bring you further developments.
You can read our latest report on the wildfires here, or keep scrolling to catch up on today’s news, as we reported it:
Video report: Firefighters battle wildfires in Portugal as thousands forced to evacuate
Wednesday 9 August 2023 00:02 , Andy Gregory
Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwav
Tuesday 8 August 2023 23:16 , Andy Gregory
Tuesday’s heat in Odemira was expected to reach highs of 36C, with 30C predicted on Wednesday.
However, the forecast shows hope of respite elsewhere amidst the recent heat, with the Met Office forecasting highs of 29C across Lisbon and 27C in Faro on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, temperatures are also expected to dip to highs of 28C in Lisbon and Faro, with another uptick in temperature anticipated towards the end of the week. On Thursday and Friday, Lisbon is expected to reach highs of 31C and 32C, 32C and 33C in Faro.
My colleague Eleanor Noyce has more in this report:
Portugal weather forecast as wildfires spread to Algarve amid 46C heatwave
Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 22:32 , Andy Gregory
Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.
This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal. The fire started on Saturday 5 August in the Odemira area north of the Algarve, and since then has swept south.
If you’re booked to travel to Portugal, is it still safe to go? And what are your rights if you cancel a holiday? Here’s what we know so far.
Our travel editor Helen Coffey has this advice for holidaymakers:
Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?
Wildfires in Portugal: Is it safe to travel to the Algarve right now?
Wednesday 9 August 2023 07:57 , Stuti Mishra
Following wildfires near Cascais last month, Portugal is once again being hit by raging flames.
This time, blazes have broken out near the popular holiday region of the Algarve in southern Portugal.
If you’re booked to travel to Portugal, is it still safe to go? And what are your rights if you cancel a holiday? Here’s what we know so far.
Is it safe to travel to Portugal right now?
Are Greece wildfires caused by climate change?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 21:52 , Andy Gregory
While the cause of the blazes in Rhodes last month have not officially been identified, local authorities have suggested at least some could have been the work of arsonists.
But climate science and fire risk specialists say it’s undeniable that rising temperatures and prolonged heatwaves mean the fires in the Mediterranean country have spread faster and burned over larger areas.
My colleague Maanya Sachdeva reports:
Are Greece wildfires caused by climate change?
Antarctica is missing an area of sea ice the size of Greenland — what’s going on?
Tuesday 8 August 2023 20:26 , Andy Gregory
While scorching temperatures are currently being recorded in the Iberian Peninsula, perhaps the most alarming global climate event is occurring on the far side of the world in Antarctica, where sea ice formation has hit a record low – and by a colossal margin.
It is now deep winter in the southern hemisphere; most of Antarctica is plunged into darkness for several months and the vast tracts of sea ice that fringe the continent’s coast are usually expanding out over the open ocean.
But this year, sea ice formation has dropped off a cliff. The continent is currently missing an area of ice larger than Greenland.
“It’s not just a record, it’s a ‘hit out of the ball park’ type thing,” says Caroline Holmes, a polar climate scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. “It really is very different.”
Harry Cockburn has more in this long read:
‘Shocking’ loss of sea ice in Antarctica and what it means for us all
Met Office says heat expected to ‘extend further north and east’
Tuesday 8 August 2023 19:33 , Andy Gregory
The UK’s Met Office has also issued information on the weather in Spain, Portugal and Africa as wildfires rage across some of Portugal’s most popular tourist hotspots.
“Temperatures have increased across Spain, Portugal and North Africa in recent days, widely into the mid 30s C, if not into the low to mid 40s C”, the national forecaster tweeted. “The heat is expected to extend further north and east by midweek, before temperatures return closer to average by the weekend.”
As of Monday, Portugal’s minister of internal administration confirmed that “for now” the government will not declare an alert.
📈 Temperatures have increased across Spain, Portugal and North Africa in recent days, widely into the mid 30s °C, if not into the low to mid 40s °C
📉 The heat is expected to extend further north and east by midweek, before temperatures return closer to average by the weekend pic.twitter.com/HqEs43Tk1S— Met Office (@metoffice) August 7, 2023
Full report: Portugal wildfires see thousands of people evacuated amid 46C heatwave
Tuesday 8 August 2023 18:37 , Andy Gregory
Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal where 1,400 people have been evacuated in a 46C heatwave.
The wildfire started on Saturday in the Odemira region on the west coast but it has since spread south towards the tourist hotspot of the Algarve.
Nine have reportedly been injured as a result of the fire.
My colleague William Mata has the full report:
Portugal wildfires see thousands evacuated amid 46C heatwave
Millions stay indoors as Iberian Peninsula hit by heatwave and wildfires
Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:53 , Andy Gregory
Millions of people in parts of Portugal and Spain have opted to remain indoors on the second day of the heatwave sweeping the Iberian Peninsula.
In Portugal, authorities declared some 120 municipalities in the north and central areas of the country's interior, as well as in the popular holiday destination of Algarve in the south, at maximum risk of wildfires due to the scorching heat.
Weather agency IPMA also put three districts in the northeast on red alert for high temperatures.
On Monday, temperatures in the central towns of Portalegre and Santarem broke five-year local records at 42.1C and 46.4C, the latter just short of the national record of 47.3C set in August 2003.
In Lisbon, residents and tourists saw some respite as temperatures dropped to 31C from Monday's more than 41C, and were expected to remain around that level for the next few days. In Madrid, visitors waiting in line to enter the Prado museum were sprayed with water by employees.
Spanish wildfires largely brought under control
Tuesday 8 August 2023 17:12 , Andy Gregory
Spain is faring better with its wildfires this week despite the high temperatures of the country’s third heatwave this summer.
Officials said three fires that started over the weekend have been brought under control or had been extinguished Tuesday. The biggest blaze, in the northeast, burned about 1,500 acres and required the evacuation of 150 people.
The only fire still out of control in Spain is in the southwest near the Portuguese border. Some 20 people in two rural hostels were evacuated. Strong winds were reported to be complicating firefighting efforts.
Temperatures will continue to rise at least until Friday, with some areas of the southern Andalusia region hitting 44C, Spain’s weather agency said.
An unprecedented two-year drought has led to water restrictions in parts of Spain, and the country’s ecological transition ministry said on Tuesday that reservoirs nationally were at 41 per cent of their capacity owing to high temperatures and the severe lack of rain.
More than 1,000 firefighters called upon
Tuesday 8 August 2023 16:43 , William Mata
More than 1,000 firefighters are now said to be battling fires both in Portugal and over the border in Spain.
Three major fires raged in Portugal on Tuesday, with the biggest in the southwest near the town of Odemira, where on Monday about 1,400 people were evacuated from villages and a campsite as a precaution. They were gradually returning home on Tuesday.
The National Civil Protection Service said about 1,000 firefighters, 320 vehicles and nine aircraft were deployed at that fire on Tuesday. It has so far scorched around 17,300 acres.
‘Bulldozers being used to break fire'
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:50 , William Mata
Bulldozers are reportedly being used as a means to build fire breaks and prevent the blaze from spreading further.
Emergency and civil protection authority commander Andre Fernandes has said villages such as Monchique - locally famous for its springs and hotels - are being evacuated.
Monchique, which last burned in 2018, is one of 20 villages, four tourist accommodations and a camping site have been evacuated as a precaution. Several roads have also been blocked off.
There are currently several wildfires burning across Portugal but Odemira is the most worrying, Mr Fernandes said.
Lisbon under red alert
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:31 , William Mata
Lisbon has been placed under red alert - with temperatures expected to reach 41C in the city of Castelo Branco.
Windy.com on Twitter showed a graphic with the central regions of Portugal to be most affected by the heat.
Authorities say more than 120 Portuguese municipalities, including in Lisbon, Alentejo and Algarve, are at maximum risk of wildfires.
“The weather conditions we are going to experience in the coming days means any small occurrence (fire) could become a big one,” Civil Protection secretary of state Patricia Gaspar told a news conference.
🔥 #Wildfires ravage #Sardinia, leading to 600+ evacuations. Fires also blaze in #Cyprus and #Portugal, with Lisbon under "red alert" due to extreme heat.
Monitor the fire spread potential and the risk of ignition with 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 and 𝗙𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝗺𝗼𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 layers -… pic.twitter.com/keIeVn3U8s— Windy.com (@Windycom) August 8, 2023
Europe wildfires map shows where devastating blazes are sweeping Portugal and Italy
Tuesday 8 August 2023 15:05 , William Mata
A map projection is showing how the wildfires are ripping through Portugal and also Italy.
Portugal is facing wildfires raging across the south of the country, with more than 850 firefighters battling to put out the flames. The first wildfire started in the municipality of Odemira, in the Alentejo region on Saturday, but it has since spread south towards the Algarve.
Elsewhere, in Italy, wildfires have been spreading across the island of Sardinia.
Maryam Zakir Hussain and Eleanor Noyce have the full story here.
In pictures: Wildfires in Portugal
Tuesday 8 August 2023 14:57 , William Mata
