Europe battles heatwaves and wildfires as temperatures top 40 degrees celsius

Reuters

Heatwaves gripping Europe have pushed temperatures above 40°C, fueling wildfires and triggering weather alerts across several countries.

Extreme summer heat continues to spread across Europe, with multiple countries battling wildfires and soaring temperatures.

In Turkiye, temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius, sparking fires in Izmir, Bursa, Tekirdag, Sakarya and Adana. Ground crews and firefighting aircraft were deployed to contain the blazes.

Efforts in Adana faced tragedy when a firefighting plane crashed while collecting water from a nearby dam. Search and rescue teams are working at the site.

In Greece, Athenians flocked to beaches as the country faced its first major heatwave of the year. Inland temperatures are forecast to reach 40 to 41 degrees Celsius, with the heat expected to gradually ease after the weekend.

Spain and Portugal are also bracing for extreme conditions. Portugal’s weather service issued hot weather alerts for the entire country, with inland regions facing an elevated orange warning. Temperatures there could reach up to 44 degrees Celsius.

Authorities across the region are urging people to remain alert, avoid risky outdoor activities and stay hydrated, warning that dry conditions and strong winds could worsen the wildfire risk.

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