Spain has canceled traditional San Juan bonfires across many municipalities as the country faces the summer’s first significant heatwave. This decision affects celebrations typically held in squares and on beaches in the early hours of Tuesday. Five provinces are under red alert, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C in several regions.
The State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) issued a red warning for inland areas of the Basque Country and Cantabria, unexpected locations for such extreme heat. Andalusia also elevated its warnings to red level. Orange alerts cover approximately ten regions, with Madrid anticipating 40°C, while Andalusia and Extremadura could exceed 42°C. The Ebro corridor is forecast to reach over 41°C by midday. Nighttime temperatures offer little relief, estimated to remain above 25°C in much of the country.
Beyond the immediate heat, authorities are concerned about wildfires, a recurring issue during Spanish summers. Catalonia is currently on edge due to existing fires, and regions including Castilla-La Mancha, the Valencian Community, and Galicia are under extreme alert for fire risk. The decision to cancel bonfires is directly linked to mitigating this heightened danger.
The wave of cancellations intensified throughout Monday. In Euskadi, the Security Department activated a pre-emergency situation, advising local councils against lighting fires near forested areas. Municipalities such as Sopela, Getxo, Barakaldo, Santurtzi, Gernika, and Amorebieta have all canceled their St John’s Night bonfires. These measures aim to prevent new fire outbreaks in a period of high risk.
Not all municipalities opted for a complete cancellation of the bonfires. Some mayors, including Bilbao’s, authorized fires only in urban areas. These limited approvals specify that fires must be on concrete, away from vegetation, and accompanied by reinforced safety measures and alerted firefighters. This approach attempts to preserve some tradition while acknowledging the severe weather conditions.
The current heatwave is expected to begin easing from Thursday. Meteorologists predict that a flow of cooler air will arrive, bringing temperatures back to levels more typical for the season. This shift should reduce the immediate threat of extreme heat and potentially lower the wildfire risk in affected areas.
The impact of this heatwave on public health and agricultural sectors remains a concern, even as temperatures are forecast to decline. Authorities will monitor the aftermath for any lingering effects of the prolonged high temperatures. Future weather patterns and the effectiveness of current fire prevention strategies will be key areas to watch as Spain moves further into summer.