Lisbon, A heatwave spreading across Europe is fuelling wildfires in Portugal, France and Spain.

Around 3,500 firefighters in Portugal are battling dozens of blazes, as temperatures break records in various parts of the country.

The worst has been reported in Leiria, where 600 people were forced out of their homes.

Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting because of climate change. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began.

In France, about 1,000 firefighters are trying control two major wildfires.

The blazes in the south-west of the country have already burned almost 4,000 hectares.

Most of Spain was put on high alert, and the country’s state meteorological agency AEMET said some regions were “suffocating”. The Andalusian town of Almonte recorded a temperature of 45.6C yesterday (Wednesday).

Spain’s hottest day of the year is expected today.

More than 70,300 hectares were burned in Spain between 1 January and 3 July 2022, the government said – almost double the average of the past 10 years, BBC news reported.

More than 3,000 people have been evacuated in Turkey due to a wildfire in the south-western Datca peninsula.

Europe has been battling soaring temperatures all week.

In the United Kingdom, the heatwave is forecast to peak today, with highs of 36C (96.8F) forecast.

Source: National News Agency