Thousands flee wildfires in France and Spain as temperatures reach extreme levels in southern Europe

Spain declares national emergency around Madrid, as marine heatwave sees some parts of Mediterranean Sea 5C hotter than normal

Brutal heat torching southern Europe has forced about 30,000 people to flee wildfires in France and Spain as a marine heatwave scalds the Mediterranean and researchers warn that Dantesque" scenarios cannot be ruled out as infernos worsen.

A particularly intense" wildfire on France's southwestern Atlantic coast prompted the evacuation of more than 18,800 people, including thousands of tourists from campsites and holiday homes, as firefighters struggled to control the blaze.