Temperature action is one of the important loads in bridge construction and operation stages. With the extension of traffic network, severe climate could be expected to cause larger temperature action than those recommended in the specifications. The complexity of traffic environment also increases the probability of bridge fire and related damage. In-depth study of bridge ambient and fire temperature field, and identification of its actions and effects can ensure the safety of bridge from the aspects of design, construction and maintenance. This study reviews the latest research on ambient temperature action, temperature effect and bridge fire action in 2020, and prospects the hotspots and directions of the future research of bridge thermal action and effects.