Although the whole of Spain is experiencing extreme temperatures and fires are raging in several places, the main focus in recent days has been on the island of La Palma. “The big forest fire is not yet under control,” says Lucas from Spain. ‘The weather conditions have improved a bit which makes it a bit easier to fight it.
“The weather conditions on La Palma have improved slightly, which makes fighting it a little easier”
But still, a large area of the island was destroyed. “This is harsh for the island’s inhabitants, who are still suffering the consequences of the large volcanic eruption in late 2021, which then lasted for three months.”
Measures for couriers and construction workers
Lucas points out how exceptional the fires are across Spain this year. “Forest fires per se are no stranger to Spain, but in the first half of this year alone there were almost four times as many forest fires as the average for the last ten years.”
This is due to the drought and high temperatures that have long plagued Spain due to global warming. This week the mercury will rise above 40 degrees in many places. “Special measures have been taken for some professional groups such as couriers and construction workers. This could also have consequences for next weekend’s elections, in which many people vote by mail.’
Northern Spanish coast
Tourists should also realize that they are going to a country that is struggling with water shortages, Lucas says. “In some villages in the interior there is simply a water restriction.” But if you really want to go to Spain and don’t fancy the heat, check out the north coast, he advises. “That’s what Spanish tourists do too.”