Parts of Europe Burn as Millions Face Record Heat as Temp Soars Past 40°C

Wildfires burned in parts of Europe on Tuesday as millions of people across the continent struggled to adapt to the new reality: record summer heat.

- AGENCIES

Temperatures in some areas soared past 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit).

Europe is warming faster than any other continent, at twice the speed of the global average since the 1980s, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. Last year was the hottest year on record in Europe and globally, the monitoring agency said.

Scientists warn climate change is exacerbating the frequency and intensity of heat and dryness, making parts of Europe more vulnerable to wildfires.

The burning of fuels like gasoline, oil and coal release heat-trapping gases that are the main driver of climate change.

Outside Madrid, firefighters had largely contained a blaze that broke out Monday night, authorities said. It killed a man who suffered burns on 98% of his body, emergency services said.