Heatwave hits Europe, France records over 40°C

Europe is being hit with a heatwave, and several western European nations are bracing for record temperatures and the risk of forest fires.

Some parts of France have already recorded over 40°C on Friday. The weather on Saturday will represent a peak of a June heatwave. Scientists have warned of such a phenomenon due to climate change.

French state weather forecaster Meteo France said June temperature has already hit records in 11 areas. Experts are anticipating it to reach as high as 42°C on Saturday. On Sunday, thunderstorms may hit the region and offer some relief from the relentless heat, reported AFP.

French Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon told the media that hospitals are at full capacity but are keeping up with the demand. Several government departments were at the highest or second-highest heat alert level on Friday. Students were told to stay home. Buildings are being sprayed with water to cool them.

Spain is experiencing some of the worst effects of the climate crisis as forest fires have burnt 22,240 acres of land in the northwest Sierra de la Culebra region on Friday. Around 200 people have been displaced from their homes. Regional authorities told AFP that over 3,000 people were evacuated from the Puy du Fou theme park in central Spain due to a fire.

Several other regions including woodlands in Catalonia also saw fire accidents. Firefighters had a tough time carrying out their duties due to weather complications. Most of Spain recorded over 35C on Friday afternoon.

Clare Nullis, a spokeswoman for the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, said the heatwaves are starting earlier because of climate change. She added that it is only a foretaste of the future if the concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to rise.