This summer's fourth heatwave is expected to begin on Wednesday, July 29th 2026, bringing temperatures up to 40C in south-west France. Dozens of communities in the Gironde region are still under threat from wildfires that have forced over 70,000 people to evacuate their homes in the past week, although many have since been allowed to return.

The French city of Bordeaux is currently not under direct threat, despite a wildfire burning as close as 15km (9 miles) from the city's outskirts. However, Commander Rémi Lassoureille, leading the firefighting efforts in Gironde, expressed concern, stating, "We are frightened about the impact on Bordeaux and the metropolitan area."

Graham White, president of the Bordeaux British Community, described the city as "very quiet," noting that many restaurants in areas like the Marché des Chartrons had to close due to ash in the air. He added, "People were staying indoors, so it was eerie, and very sad."

Health Minister Stéphanie Rist emphasized the government's vigilance regarding air pollution and urged residents in affected areas to remain indoors.

Peggy Plouhinec, general director of Château Picque Caillou, one of the few wine estates west of Bordeaux, told the BBC that her business closed over the weekend due to smoke but that conditions improved after rain on Sunday night.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Portugal, 400 firefighters are battling a large fire with three active fronts in the eastern Guarda area.

In Spain, the Madrid region has been heavily affected by wildfires. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged the challenges ahead but expressed cautious optimism, saying light was beginning to appear "at the end of the tunnel."

Firefighters in Gironde are bracing for the sharp temperature rise on Wednesday, which could complicate wildfire containment efforts.

Sources