Soaring temperatures have gripped parts of Europe, which has barely recovered from its last heatwave. Droughts and forest fires have hit Spain and Portugal and the scorching heat has spread to France and the UK. Temperatures are set to peak on Thursday in France and Spain and authorities have cancelled traditional fireworks displays on France’s national day to reduce the risk of fires. Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting because of climate change. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began. This is the picture as seen by our BBC colleagues sweltering on the continent.(BBC)…[+]