Europe heatwave sees temperatures soar to record highs as wildfires take hold in Spain

An intense heatwave has sent temperatures across Europe soaring to record highs, with central Europe forecast to hit the mid-40s on Friday.

Although heatwaves are not uncommon in Europe,
 experts say climate change is increasing their
 frequency and intensity.

New records have already been set in Poland and the Czech Republic, which both reached their highest temperatures for June on Wednesday, while Austria expects to have its warmest June on record — 4.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term average.

In Germany, 51 observing stations broke their June temperature records this week, according to the World Meteorology Organization, but there has been some relief for northern Germany with Berlin dropping from 37C on Wednesday down to just 21C on Thursday.

Read the ABC News story - “Europe heatwave sees temperatures soar to record highs as wildfires take hold in Spain.”