Spain, Portugal Heatwaves Cause Deaths and Strain Services

Spain and Portugal are experiencing severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching 42°C in Spain and 41°C in Portugal, prompting extreme weather alerts across the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, July saw 1,060 heat-related deaths—a 57% increase from the previous year—and the cumulative 2025 toll has surpassed 3,200 fatalities, including an 85-year-old man in Badajoz. Despite the dangerous conditions and anti-tourism protests, Spain is seeing record numbers of international tourists, especially in the Canary and Balearic Islands, with all-time highs in arrivals and spending. Portuguese authorities warn August could be the hottest in up to 20 years, while major wildfires are straining emergency services. Spain's meteorological agency expects the heatwave to persist through next weekend, keeping nine regions under high health risk. These events highlight escalating climate-related challenges and increased wildfire threats in the region.