Temperatures in southern Europe are soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, causing wildfires and evacuations in Spain and France.

On Wednesday, Southern Europe was hit by extreme heat with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, causing devastating fires in Spain and France, resulting in deaths and evacuations. Nearly 1,000 soldiers have been mobilized in Spain to fight the fires, and authorities have issued extreme-risk alerts in five regions. France also saw record high temperatures and fires led to evacuations. In Portugal, fires have destroyed thousands of hectares and authorities have appealed for international help. Heatwave conditions are also spreading to Italy and the UK, with forecasts for continued extreme weather.