Tens of thousands flee fires in Turkey as Spain is set for its hottest June on record

European countries issue health alerts during heatwave

- ALASTAIR JAMIESON

Firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey, forcing the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents, as an early summer heatwave hit Europe and put Spain on course for its hottest June on record.

Health alerts were issued in France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Germany as well as in England and Wales. Even the Netherlands, used to a milder climate, issued a warning for high temperatures in the coming days, coupled with high humidity.

“Large parts of western Europe are experiencing extreme heat and heatwave conditions that are normally observed in July or August, rather than June,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Temperatures in some locations were between five and 10 degrees Celsius warmer than they would typically be at this time of year, she said. New highs are expected tomorrow, before rain is forecast to bring respite to some areas later this week.