Climate Threat Extreme Weather in Europe

Quick Analysis: Extreme Weather 40 Times More Common

Climate change is partly behind the enormous forest fires that have ravaged Spain and Portugal during the summer. This is what the research network World Weather Attribution (WWA) writes in a quick analysis, according to several media outlets.

According to WWA, extreme weather conditions have become significantly more common. Without climate change, similar, long-lasting heat waves with dry and windy weather would only occur every 500 years. Nowadays, they are expected to occur every 15 years.

A total of 13 researchers from various universities and meteorological authorities are behind the study, which is less complex than other reports by WWA. At the same time, the researchers point out that the results of the quick analysis are consistent with previous reports showing a connection between climate change and fires, writes El País.

Forest fires in Europe – this is the case

• In the summer of 2025, Southern Europe was hit by record temperatures of over 40 degrees and extensive heat waves.
• Forest fires raged in several countries, including Spain, Portugal and Greece.
• 640,000 hectares burned in Portugal and Spain during the summer.
• Tens of thousands of people had to evacuate their homes and at least eight people died in Portugal and Spain.
• Several people were arrested on suspicion of starting fires, and political discussions about preventive measures and climate adaptation have intensified.