‘Dry storms’ and heat bursts intensify Spain’s wildfire crisis

Monday 18 August 2025 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

‘Dry storms’ and heat bursts intensify Spain’s wildfire crisis

Unseen forces behind Spain’s worsening wildfires

Spain is battling an alarming surge in wildfires this summer, fueled by extreme heatwaves and drought conditions. However, experts are now highlighting the growing impact of a lesser-known weather phenomenon: "dry storms." These storms, combined with heat bursts, are exacerbating wildfires across the country, particularly in already vulnerable regions.

The Spanish meteorological agency Aemet has issued red-level heat alerts in provinces like Seville and Córdoba, where temperatures have soared into the low 40s. Wildfires in Castilla y León, Galicia, Asturias, and Extremadura have claimed four lives this summer, with firefighters still struggling to contain the most severe blazes.

The role of dry storms

Dry storms, though counterintuitive, occur when atmospheric conditions are primed for rainfall, but intense heat or dryness causes the rain to evaporate before reaching the ground. These storms bring lightning and strong winds without the cooling effect of rain, heightening the risk of fires.

BBC meteorologist Helen Willetts explains that during prolonged dry spells, vegetation becomes highly flammable, making it more susceptible to ignition from lightning strikes. As the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes, light rainfall is insufficient to counteract the spread of fires in such conditions.

This summer, Spain’s arid inland regions have been particularly vulnerable, where even minimal rainfall fails to moisten the dry terrain enough to prevent fires.

Heat bursts amplify the danger

Adding to the crisis are "heat bursts" (reventónes térmicos), sudden powerful air currents descending from the base of convective clouds. These bursts generate hot, dry winds that can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h, spreading flames rapidly while scattering dust and debris.

Recent heat bursts have been recorded in Andalusian towns like Jaén and Granada. On Sunday, the coastal municipality of Motril experienced a sudden temperature surge to 40.1°C, accompanied by winds reaching 86.8 km/h. These extreme winds caused a waterspout off Torrenueva Costa, leaving swimmers stranded and requiring rescue efforts.

A grim outlook for Spain

As Spain endures its second major heatwave of the summer, these compounding meteorological phenomena—dry storms and heat bursts—are intensifying the wildfire crisis. With prolonged periods of extreme heat and dryness, experts warn that these conditions will only grow more frequent and severe, putting more communities at risk.