Europe heatwave 2023 – live: Forest fire destroys homes in Spain as blistering 40C heat grips continent
Homes have been destroyed and hundreds of people evacuated after a forest fire ripped through the Spanish island of La Palma in the early hours of Saturday.
Authorities said at least 500 people were forced to flee their homes in the first natural crisis on the island since a volcanic eruption in 2021.
Meanwhile, Red alerts for extreme heat have been issued in 16 cities across Italy as the Mediterranean country and swathes of Europe are gripped by blistering hot temperatures.
Tourist hotspots Rome, Florence and Bologna are among some of the cities affected, with people there told to take extra care as the mercury climbs towards 40C amid the Cerberus heatwave.
Temperatures are set to peak at around 36C (96.8F) in most Italian cities, though Puglia, Sicily, and Sardinia may reach up to 41C.
Next week temperatures are predicted to climb as high as 48C in Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily as a second heatwave – named Cheron – hits the country.
