Key facts
- Millions in France, Italy, Spain, and Britain are experiencing extreme heat waves.
- Temperatures have surpassed 42°C (108°F) in parts of France.
- Britain has recorded its fifth-hottest day on record.
- Widespread wildfires are occurring across Europe, with France experiencing its worst since WWII.
- Scientists link the increased frequency and intensity of heat waves to climate change.
Europe is grappling with a severe heat wave, with millions of people across France, Italy, Spain, and Britain enduring extreme temperatures. Britain has recorded its fifth-hottest day on record, while parts of France have seen temperatures exceed 42°C (108°F). These prolonged heat waves, which scientists attribute to human-caused climate change, have fueled widespread and intense wildfires. France is battling its worst wildfire since World War II near Bordeaux, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. Spain has declared its first-ever national wildfire emergency, and other countries like Portugal, Italy, and Greece are also fighting major blazes. The UK, meanwhile, is experiencing its longest dry spell since the mid-1990s, leading to water supply restrictions for millions. Hospitals are reporting an increase in heatstroke cases, highlighting the severe impact on public health.