Southern Europe is currently grappling with a significant heatwave, impacting regions from Portugal to Turkey and prompting widespread concern. Record-breaking temperatures have been reported across the affected areas, with Huelva, Spain, registering 46 degrees Celsius (114.8 degrees Fahrenheit), marking a new June high. In Portugal, Mora experienced a temperature of 46.6 degrees Celsius (115.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
The extreme heat elevates the risk of wildfires considerably. France and Turkey are particularly vulnerable, with numerous fires already erupting and spreading rapidly. In Turkey, disaster relief authorities have confirmed the safe evacuation of over 50,000 individuals due to wildfires impacting 41 municipalities. The western province of Izmir has been heavily affected, where approximately 1,000 firefighters, supported by 14 helicopters, are battling a significant blaze. Over 130 homes in Izmir have sustained damage. Fires have also broken out in the province of Bilecik and near the city center of Hatay, causing panic among residents.
France has issued heatwave alerts for 84 of its 95 mainland departments. Businesses are being urged to prioritize employee safety and approximately 200 schools have temporarily suspended operations. In southwestern France, 400 hectares of land have been consumed by flames. The Golfech nuclear power plant has been temporarily shut down due to elevated water temperatures in the Garonne River. The Mediterranean Sea itself is experiencing unusually warm waters for this time of year, with an average temperature of 26.01 degrees Celsius (78.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
