Sizzling Europe: Several countries face high temperatures, wildfires

Southern and western Europe are witnessing unsually high temperatures since the past week. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece and the United Kingdom have recorded highs that have caused wildfires. This photo was tweeted by the official account of the General Directorate of Civil Protection and Emergencies, Spain, expressing condolences for the loss of a firefighter July 17, 2022. Photo: proteccioncivil/ Twitter

In neighbouring Portugal, wildfires have been reported across the country. Here, Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa meets with firefighters July 12. Photo: @antoniocostapm / Twitter

To the north of Iberia, France too is suffering from high temperatures and forest fires. This photo shows the mobilisation of firefighters in a part of the country. Photo: @SecCivileFrance / Twitter

In the eastern Mediterranean, fires are also lighting up Greece. This photo shows an area of approximately 15 square km burned by fires on Crete, the biggest Greek island. The fires luckily spared the village of Melambes. Photo: @ESA_EO / Twitter

To the northwest, the UK Met Office has declared a red heat alert for the country till July 19. People have been advised not to move out as temperatures soar. This photo by the Met Office shows high temperatures in England and Wales.

The European Union has also mobilised its firefighting fleet to help affected countries fight fires. This figure was tweeted by the European Commission July 11, mentioning planes headed to Portugal. Photo: @EU_Commission / Twitter