Toplotna oluja izaziva zabrinutost zbog širenja šumskih požara u Europi

A new heatwave is threatening Europe, with temperatures expected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France and Spain, raising concerns over the potential resurgence of wildfires already devastating regions in the south-west of France and western Spain. The situation has intensified fears that the flames could once again spiral out of control, despite recent efforts to contain them. The fire in the south-west of France, near the Atlantic coast, has been burning for nearly a week and has destroyed approximately 42,000 hectares of land, an area larger than the city of Cologne. Over 220,000 residents and tourists have had to evacuate the affected areas. French President Emmanuel Macron described the fires as the most severe since the end of World War II during his visit to a crisis center in Bordeaux. The blaze has advanced to within about 15 kilometers of the major city, though authorities have not yet planned evacuations there. Macron expressed confidence that the battle to protect the population would be won, stating that around 2,500 firefighters were deployed in the region near Bordeaux, supported by approximately 1,500 soldiers. Germany sent two transport helicopters and an A400M transport plane loaded with equipment to the crisis zone, expected to remain active for five days. However, the impending heatwave poses a significant challenge, with temperatures forecasted to rise to 40 degrees Celsius in the south-west of France. Firefighters have already created firebreaks in several locations to prevent further spread of the flames. Authorities reported some stabilization of the situation overnight on Monday, allowing about 15,000 residents in the area of Biscarrosse to return home. Nevertheless, officials warned that the fire was far from under control and could last for several weeks or even months before being fully extinguished. The regional government has advised travelers to avoid the affected area in Gironde, which is typically in high season during the summer months. Local authorities have suspended operations at holiday camps, scout camps, and accessible accommodations for disabled individuals, along with cultural and sporting events throughout the department. In Spain, rising temperatures threaten to exacerbate the situation in the province of Ávila, west of Madrid, and neighboring regions of Madrid and Toledo, where more than 80,000 hectares of forest and shrubland have been destroyed. Approximately 90,000 people have been evacuated, although authorities noted a slight easing of conditions over the weekend, preventing further spread of the flames. In the eastern province of Castellón, firefighters continue their efforts against another wildfire, forcing around 16,000 residents to leave their homes. Spain is also bracing for temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius, which will elevate the risk of wildfires nationwide to very high or extreme levels. Meanwhile, in Germany, a new heatwave is anticipated to begin midweek, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius expected in many areas. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures will rise gradually starting Tuesday, with the high-pressure system "Olaf" bringing hot air from the southwest. By Wednesday, much of Germany can expect temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, with possible peaks of up to 37 degrees Celsius along the Rhine. Nighttime temperatures are expected to remain relatively warm, with minimal cooling, leading to what experts describe as tropical nights if temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Celsius between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The southern part of Europe continues to grapple with high temperatures, compounding the challenges faced by firefighters in France, where the fire has approached within 30 kilometers of Bordeaux. Authorities have described the fire as unprecedented in scale, with over 1,200 firefighters currently engaged in containment efforts.