A heatwave broke a string of records in France and U.K. on Friday as Spain fought wildfire claims that drove hundreds from their homes.
A heatwave has broken multiple records in France today that ban outdoor activities, as a heatwave swept across Europe.
The record-breaking hot weather coincides with warnings by scientists that heatwaves due to climate change will be more vigorous and occur earlier than usual.
Firefighters fought fires in several other parts of Spain including in the forests of Catalonia, as weather conditions made combating them difficult.
Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, on Friday praised the firefighters “who risk their lives on the front line of fires” as temperatures climbed above 35 ºC in most parts of the country, with the possibility of 40 ºC in some areas.
In much of the country’s south-west, hot temperatures will rise to more than 40C (77F), with warnings issued for those on the edge of the most vulnerable.
