Western Europe’s fourth region-wide, fierce heat wave of the summer is well underway, Andrew writes.
- It’s pushing temperatures into the triple digits Fahrenheit in Portugal, Spain, France, and close to that level in the United Kingdom.
Threat level: French firefighters are battling a nearly 20,000-acre blaze in the Gironde region that has forced thousands from their homes, while other fires burn elsewhere in the heat-affected regions.
- In the U.K., where temperatures are forecast to soar into the mid-to-upper 90s today through Sunday, the Met Office has hoisted an Amber “Extreme Heat Warning” through the period.
- The fire danger in southeast England is forecast to reach its two highest categories, “very high” to “exceptional,” with authorities warning that they may not be able to respond to every call.
- During the record-breaking heat wave in July, fires swept through parts of London and London’s mayor said it was the busiest day for fire crews since World War II.
What’s next: Much of Europe is in the middle of an intense drought, which the heat will only intensify.
Context: Heat waves are likely to occur, more intense, and longer lasting due to human-caused climate change.
Europe’s heat, drought and wildfire woes
