Extreme heat and wildfires impact Spain and Mexico

Extreme heat and forest fires are impacting Spain and Mexico. In Spain, the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge reports that over 295,720 hectares have burned so far this year, accounting for 45% of all forest fires in the European Union. Minister Sara Aagesen has called for public prudence despite improving weather conditions.

Regional reports from Spain highlight severe temperature anomalies. In Mallorca, average temperatures for the June-August period were 2.5 degrees Celsius above the historical average. In Galicia, the Xunta has deactivated orange heat alerts for most areas, though yellow alerts remain in Valdeorras.

In Mexico, the state of Tamaulipas has recorded 128 cases of heat-related illnesses and four deaths. The cases include heatstroke, dehydration, and sunstroke, with the highest concentration of cases in Tampico, Reynosa, and El Mante. Health officials recommend avoiding sun exposure between 11:00 and 17:00.