Hundreds of firefighters are battling wildfires in Spain’s Catalonia region, as temperatures soar to 40C (104F) across parts of Europe.
Officials say the fires are the worst in the region for 20 years and may spread rapidly.
Spain, France and Italy are experiencing extreme heat.
On Wednesday Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic saw highest ever June temperatures.
Meteorologists say hot air drawn in from northern Africa is responsible.
In another development, German Chancellor Angela Merkel was seen trembling once again during a ceremony in Berlin, yesterday, eight days after a similar incident.
Video showed Mrs Merkel, 64, gripping her arms as her body was shaking.
After about two minutes, she looked steadier and shook hands with the new justice minister.
Mrs Merkel had blamed the previous incident on dehydration.