Europe is battling an early but record-breaking heat wave that has already claimed four lives - two in Spain and two in France, and in Switzerland led to the shutdown of a nuclear reactor. Fires are raging in several countries, and temperatures are exceeding 39°C, reports "Reuters".
In Spain, a fire in the Torrefeta region of Catalonia has destroyed several farms and covered about 40 km of territory. The fire is now under control, but authorities are warning of upcoming storms and winds that could reignite the flames. "The fire was extremely violent and unpredictable, with convection clouds that made it difficult to extinguish", the fire service said. The death of a street cleaner in Barcelona, which is suspected to have been caused by the heat, is also being investigated.
In France, Energy Minister Agnes Pannier-Renache confirmed two deaths directly linked to the heatwave, and more than 300 people have been admitted to hospital. The country is experiencing its hottest June since 2003, while Spain has recorded its hottest June on record.
Meteor France has issued red warnings for parts of central France, where temperatures are expected to reach 39°C. Paris is expecting 34°C, while in Strasbourg, Lyon, Grenoble and Avignon the mercury is expected to rise to 36-38°C. Severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected in the eastern regions.
Italy has issued a red alert for 18 cities, including Milan, Rome and Florence, where temperatures are also expected to reach 39°C. In the central Apennines, as well as on the islands of Sardinia and Sicily, meteorologists are warning of sudden and dangerous storms.
In Switzerland, energy company Axpo was forced to shut down one of the reactors at the Beznau nuclear power plant and halve the output of the other because the temperature of the river water used for cooling was too high. The restrictions are likely to continue as ecosystems and nuclear safety are monitored.
Meteorologists and climatologists warn that this heatwave is "exceptional" not only in its intensity but also in its early onset. Scientists say the main cause is greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning, deforestation and industrial activity. Last year was already declared the hottest on record.