Summer 2026 has got off to a scorching start, with temperatures breaking records across the continent. The UK experienced the hottest May day on record on 26 May 2026 as temperatures reached 35.1°C (95.2°F) at Kew Gardens on the outskirts of the capital. The country then experienced tropical nights, during which temperatures do not fall below 20°C. A record-breaking June heatwave followed, with temperatures reaching 37°C in Southern England and exceeding 40°C in many other parts of Europe, including across France and Spain.
While many of us struggle with commutes and desperately search for air-conditioned venues, there’s a much bigger risk to consider for many Europeans if summer continues to sizzle over the coming months – wildfires. 2025 saw a spate of wildfires across the continent, so can we expect much of the same to affect our travel this year? And what’s the latest?
How likely are wildfires in Europe?
Extreme temperatures led to wildfires across popular holiday destinations including Turkey, Greece, Portugal, Spain and France in 2025. With the continent under a ‘heat dome’ by the start of summer this year, and a three- to four-month season ahead of many destinations, it’s extremely likely that 2026 will see much of the same.
While wildfires aren’t too common in the UK, that could also change if record highs continue. According to The Independent, Rob Gazzard, a wildfire adviser to the Forestry Commission, warned that “extreme scenarios are going to be very challenging” for the organisation, and that the guardians of England’s largest forests could be tested by “Mediterranean-style fire weather”.
That said, the European Commission has claimed that it is well prepared to tackle the challenges posed by extreme heat and subsequent wildfires. In a statement published on 2 June 2026, the European Commission announced it was helping finance and coordinate the organisation of a record number of firefighters, aircraft and emergency experts. 777 firefighters from 14 European countries are being strategically pre-positioned in high-risk areas across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal – the most significant levels of protection since the pre-positioning programme’s launch in 2022.
What countries have wildfires?
At the time of writing, 6 July 2026, countries including Greece, Portugal and France are battling wildfires in Europe. Firefighters in the UK were also put to the test at the end of June when a rare wildfire broke out on Tintwistle Moor, Glossop – a short journey from Manchester. The blaze set alight hundreds of square metres of moorland, requiring several fire engines and a water-dropping helicopter on the scene.
