Record ocean heat and dry conditions drive wildfires across Europe

Global ocean surface temperatures reached a historic peak of 20.96 degrees Celsius in July, coinciding with Western Europe's warmest June-July period since records began. Global surface air temperatures for the month were 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages, making July the second-hottest month ever documented.

The sustained heat and arid conditions have intensified wildfire activity across Europe, notably affecting France, Belgium, Greece, and the Balkans. In southwestern France's Landes department, a wildfire has scorched more than 1,580 hectares of woodland, prompting authorities to evacuate approximately 650 residences as a precaution. Meanwhile, in eastern Belgium, emergency teams continue efforts to contain an active blaze in the Hautes Fagnes nature reserve in Liège province, where parched vegetation and difficult meteorological conditions have complicated suppression.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Jornal Económico, RTP (Rádio e Televisão de Portugal)