Wildfires raged across Catalonia today as temperatures climbed towards 44C in parts of Europe amid a powerful heatwave.
Firefighters struggled to put out forest fires across nearly 4,000 hectares in the northeastern region of Spain amid warnings the affected area could increase as much as fivefold because of intense heat and winds.
The wildfires are among the worst Catalonia has seen in 20 years, the regional government said.
It came as France stepped up restrictions on water use and driving in cities as many people sought relief in the sea, rivers, lakes, fountains and swimming pools.
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