Thousands of people have been evacuated in France and Spain as extreme heatwaves trigger devastating wildfires across Europe. In southwestern France, over 10,000 people were forced to flee overnight as a wildfire consumed 2,000 hectares of land west of Bordeaux. A rare "fire tornado" was observed in the Gironde department, adding to the chaos.
The affected area in France includes the popular tourist destination of Arcachon Bay, with many evacuated individuals being campers.
Meanwhile, firefighters in central Spain are battling one of the country's largest-ever wildfires, which has already burned over 32,000 hectares in the Guadalajara region. This blaze follows a deadly wildfire in the Almería province less than two weeks prior, which resulted in 13 fatalities, including seven Britons.
Spain is bracing for its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 47C (116.6F) as a "heat dome" brings hot, dry air from Africa.
Across Europe, wildfire activity has surpassed the average for the past two decades, with the continent experiencing multiple intense heatwaves. Data shows that wildfires have already burnt more land in Europe this year than the average over the last twenty years.
In France, approximately 500 firefighters are working to control the blaze in Gironde, where no injuries have been reported. Additionally, fires in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region have led to the evacuation of around 400 people.
Six French departments are under orange heatwave warnings, with several areas at a 'very high' fire risk level. Authorities are urging the public to avoid using barbecues, as human activity is a factor in nine out of 10 wildfires.
France's public health agency reported at least 5,700 more deaths than usual during a heatwave last month, with a total of 21,674 deaths from all causes recorded in affected regions between June 17 and July 2.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited a fire-ravaged area in Guadalajara and called for political unity to combat climate change, stating, "Year after year we clearly see how climate change kills and destroys wealth in our communities."
Over 100,000 hectares have already been scorched in Spain in the first half of the year, matching the yearly average for the last decade. The Guadalajara fire is considered one of the largest in recent Spanish history and the largest ever for the Castilla La Mancha region.
Firefighters, supported by water-dumping aircraft, have worked to protect homes in the Guadalajara fire zone, with authorities hoping to bring the nearly week-old fire under control by Friday.
Spain's weather agency indicated that the current heatwave, expected to peak between Wednesday and Thursday, could push temperatures above 40C (104F) in inland areas and exceed 42C (107.6F) in parts of Andalusia.
Scientists warn that climate change is intensifying the frequency and severity of heat and drought in regions like southeastern Europe, making them more susceptible to wildfires and health impacts.
In Sicily, Italy, firefighters have responded to over 1,000 operations since Saturday. Wildfires have prompted the evacuation of 100 people from homes and a clinic in Agrigento. All of Sicily has been placed at the highest risk for wildfires due to high temperatures and winds.
Greece is also experiencing a severe heatwave, with temperatures predicted to exceed 42C (107.6F), and several regions are on the highest alert level for wildfire danger. Cyprus has also issued a warning for high temperatures reaching 43C (109.4F).
In Britain, some areas have not seen rain in over a month, leading to a state of "prolonged dry weather." Thames Water has implemented a hosepipe ban for its 10 million customers, starting Thursday.