US EditionA Heat Wave Scorches Parts of Europe and Fans Wildfire Threat in France
SOUTH-WEST FRANCE, AUG 11 – Heat alerts and wildfire risks span multiple European countries as climate change intensifies heatwaves, with 1,300 firefighters combating a 400 sq km blaze in south-west France.
- On August 11 and 12, intense heat affected several regions of Europe, with temperatures soaring to 43°C in southern France and triggering wildfires in Bulgaria and Turkey.
- The heatwave is driven by a strengthening high-pressure area influenced by the remnants of tropical storm Dexter, occurring against a backdrop of climate change that has increased Europe’s land temperatures by approximately 2.3°C compared to pre-industrial times.
- In France’s Aude region, wildfires burned through 16,000 hectares last week, resulting in one fatality and 25 people sustaining injuries. More than 1,300 firefighters remain engaged in efforts to fully contain the blaze amid red heat warnings issued for 12 departments.
- Météo-France raised its highest level of heat alert, red warning—only the eighth time since its introduction in 2004—while officials enforced a nationwide fire prohibition and the UK Health Security Agency activated a yellow-level health warning.
- The heatwave, expected to continue through the week and into the weekend of August 15, is raising the risk of wildfires and putting strain on power grids, while projections indicate that 2025 will rank among the top three warmest years recorded.
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Total News Sources33
Leaning Left9Leaning Right2Center14Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 36%
C 56%
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