Europe bakes as heatwave sparks fires

MAJOR heatwaves across southern Europe have pushed temperatures above 40C in countries including Italy, Spain and Greece.

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Experts link the rising frequency and intensity of these heatwaves to climate change, warning that such extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common.

Two-thirds of Portugal was on high alert yesterday for extreme heat and wildfires, with temperatures expected to top 42C in Lisbon.