Hundreds of firefighters and 10 aircraft have been battling to contain wildfires in southern France after a stifling heatwave brought record-breaking temperatures of 45.9C. Spain is also in a similar situation after the record breaking temperatures of these last days.
Forecasters said the extreme heat was due to ease today in southern France, but temperatures were still expected to reach almost 40C.
The heatwave currently gripping Europe has seen a surge in demand for cooling devices, such as air conditioners and fans, in shops across the continent.
The number of online searches with people looking to purchase air conditioners has risen significantly since June 17 in Germany, France, Spain, Italy and Austria. Similar increases were recorded with internet users searching for fans.
Some areas of northern Spain saw temperatures soar above 40C, with the city of Zaragoza recording 42C and a meteorological station between the Catalan towns of Vinebre and Masroig – close to an area already hit by wildfires – recording 43.3C.
In France’s southern Vaucluse region, a cyclist died after falling ill in the heat. Officials said the cyclist had been in a mountainous region and warned people against engaging in sporting activity.
Meanwhile, the UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Saturday, with the temperature reaching 34C (93.2F) at Northolt and Heathrow airports in west London.
On Friday, France registered its highest recorded temperature – 45.9C – in the southern village of Gallargues-le-Montueux.
Via BBC/ The Indepedent
