Record heatwave sweeps across Europe, triggering wildfires and drought concerns

AKIPRESS.COM - A new wave of extreme heat has gripped Europe, with temperatures in parts of the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Spain exceeding 40 degrees, triggering new wildfires and worsening drought conditions, France 24 reports.

Unusually high temperatures are also impacting countries less accustomed to severe heat, including Switzerland, Austria, and Hungary.

The United Kingdom recorded its fifth hottest day in history, while temperatures in several regions of France surpassed 42 degrees. Hospitals across France reported a surge in heatstroke cases, placing immense pressure on the National Health Service as temperatures in Paris hit 38 degrees and high-heat alerts were issued across most of the country.

In Italy, forecasts indicate that around 29 million people will be affected by similar extreme temperatures, while in Spain—where roughly 25 million people have already felt the impact—mercury levels reached 37 degrees.

The intense heat has fueled the rapid spread of wildfires across the continent, forcing hundreds of tourists to be evacuated by boat in northern Greece as flames approached two popular resorts. The latest surge comes following reports that London experienced its first completely rainless month in 155 years.