Hundreds Of Deaths Reported From European Heatwave As UK Expects Highest Ever Temperatures

Hundreds of deaths have been reported following a massive heatwave across Europe that has also triggered forest fires and widespread damage.

The heat, some of the hottest temperatures ever recorded is the second heatwave in just a few months and has hit south-west Europe and countries as France and Greece.

In Spain, authorities from the state-run Carlos III Health Institute said that 360 people had been recorded as having died from the heat, where temperatures far above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) have been consistent on a daily basis. Among the deaths were a 60-year-old street sweeper who collapsed and died from the heat while on the job.

On Friday, Spanish temperatures topped 45 degrees (113F) killing 123 people, while in Portugal 238 heat deaths were recorded between July 7th and July 13th.

Large fires are now raging in Portugal, Spain, France and Greece and thousands of fire fighters with specialist equipment being called in to tackle the blazes. In north-eastern Portugal one pilot using a fire-fighting aircraft died after the plane crashed killing 38-year-old André Serra.

The Portuguese president released a statement following the death of the pilot, saying:

"He will be remembered for his courage, bravery and dedication."

In Portugal, it is now believed over 25,000 hectares were destroyed by forest fires in the space of a week and hundreds of people have ben forced to flee their homes.

The UK is also expected to be hit with a large uptick in temperatures over the next week with some schools and workplaces being shut to protect people from heat exposure. Experts have given the UK an 80% chance of beating all time heat records in the coming days. The UK has never experienced temperature in excess of 40 degrees centigrade.

The Met Office, which overseas weather prediction and events in the UK, said:

"Nights are also likely to be exceptionally warm, especially in urban areas. This is likely to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. Therefore, it is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects."

[Based on reporting by: South China Morning Post]