Spain fires: Heatwave sparks wildfires across Tarragona, blaze forecast to spread rapidly
SPAIN has been ravaged by fires as the fierce heatwave sends temperatures soaring above 40C this week.
UK weather map shows heatwave set to sweep nation
Wildfires have broken out in Tarragona in the Catalonia region as the mercury rose towards 44C in parts of Northern Spain and Southern France today. Mainland Europe is in the grip of a vicious heatwave which is expected to last into next week.
Spain wildfires MAPPED
Spanish firefighters battled flames across nearly 10,000 acres of land in Catalonia after wildfires broke out today.
Authorities warned the affected area could increase as much as fivefold because of the intense heat and winds.
READ MORE: Spain weather forecast: Red alert issued for 7 areas as heatwave sends temperatures to 43C
Helicopters dumped water on the fires, which raged some 80km (50 miles) inland from the coastal town of Tarragona.
There were no reports of casualties, but the regional government said some 30 people had been evacuated from farmhouses in the area.
The wildfires are among the worst Catalonia has seen in 20 years, according to the regional government.
The heatwave continues
Temperatures in some parts of Spain are expected to soar to more than 43C on Friday.
State meteorology board AEMET has put seven areas of Spain on a red weather alert as the week draws to a close.
Red alert mapped
These areas of Spain will be on red alert tomorrow:
- Huesca
- Zaragoza
- Barcelona
- Gerona
- Lleida
- Navarra.
- La Rioja
These are predicted to be the hottest parts of Spain tomorrow:
- Zaragoza - 43C
- Valladolid - 41C
- Madrid - 41C
- Ciudad Real - 41C
- Jaen- 40C
- Seville 37C
Speaking on Wednesday AEMET spokesman Fernando García said: “The increases will continue, with 3C or 4C more in the north of Castilla y León.”
“Friday, Saturday and Sunday will be the worst days of the heatwave, with up to 44C expected, and 42C for sure.”