Millions across Europe faced another spell of dangerous heat on Thursday, with France, Italy, Spain and Britain among the worst affected as temperatures climbed above 40°C in parts of the continent.

More than 135 million people were forecast to experience temperatures above 35°C, while around 340 million could see temperatures exceed 30°C, according to an AFP analysis based on weather forecasts and population data.

Britain records fifth hottest day

Britain recorded its fifth-highest temperature on record after 38.1°C was measured at Kew Gardens in London, according to the Met Office. Temperatures of at least 36°C were recorded at 40 locations across central and southern England.

Health workers warned that the heat was placing additional pressure on hospitals, with vulnerable patients particularly affected.

France sees temperatures above 42°C

France experienced some of the most intense heat, with temperatures reaching 42.5°C in Châteaumeillant in central France. Paris also climbed to around 38°C, while much of the country remained under heatwave alerts.

Italy and Spain also hit by extreme heat

Around 29 million people in Italy were expected to experience temperatures of 35°C or higher, particularly in western regions, the Po Valley, southern Italy and the islands.

In Spain, about 25 million people were affected by the heat, with temperatures reaching around 37°C in central areas.

Heatwave fuels wildfires

The extreme weather has also increased wildfire risks across Europe. In northern Greece, hundreds of tourists were evacuated by boat as flames approached popular coastal resorts. Fires were also reported in central England, where drought conditions have made vegetation more vulnerable to burning.

Scientists say Europe is warming faster than any other continent, with climate change contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Repeated heatwaves and drought conditions have already contributed to thousands of deaths and a severe wildfire season.

The latest temperatures have raised further concerns over Europe’s preparedness for increasingly frequent extreme weather events.