Why is Europe burning? Scientists link hot weather to climate change

The Great European Heatwave continues, with thousands evacuated from Mediterranean communities as wildfires spread

Strong winds in the south-west of France are frustrating efforts to contain a fire racing through pine forests.

14,000 people have been ordered to flee from the Gironde region, with this fire and another just south of Bordeaux destroying 10,000 hectares of land.

In southern Spain, 3,200 people have fled from their homes and the blazes are moving closer and closer towards popular tourist area, Málaga.

Portugal’s wildfires have now been extinguished, but 659 people have died from the extreme heat over the past week.

Fire season has hit Europe hard and fast this year, following an unusually dry and hot spring.

Britain’s Met Office issues first ever ‘red’ warning

In the UK, a red extreme heat warning has been issued for the first time in history.

A national emergency has been declared for areas including London, Manchester and York.

Reports suggest millions of workers will stay at home over the next 48 hours to escape the heatwave’s peak.

The extreme warning means there is a risk to life and authorities are urging residents to make changes to their daily routines in order to stay safe.

Speed restrictions are likely to be imposed for trains, while some schools will close early and hospital appointments cancelled.

The National Health Service (NHS) is also concerned there will be greater demand for ambulances, warning patients could left outside hospitals in emergency vehicles.

Experts believe the extreme temperatures Europe is currently facing can be attributed to climate change.