Extreme heat in Europe, France hit by fires while snow returns to northern Italy

A major forest fire continues to spread rapidly in southern France, where the flames have so far scorched more than 800 hectares.

Large firefighting forces have been deployed on the ground to contain the advance of the blaze, but the situation remains difficult. Footage from the area shows powerful flames on the hillsides, thick clouds of smoke, and water bomber aircraft intervening from the air to assist the ground crews involved in the operation.

The fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in Herault and spread immediately, fueled by high temperatures, drought and strong winds. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that a total of three fires, two of them recorded on the western edge of Marseille, have together burned 1,210 hectares.

Last week, the World Meteorological Organization warned that the record temperatures that gripped Western Europe for more than a week at the end of June would increase the risk of forest fires, given expectations of persistent heat, low humidity and dried-out vegetation.

Meanwhile, while part of Italy remains under the influence of high temperatures, fresh snowfall has been recorded at the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps. A video of two foreign tourists has also gone viral, showing the consequences of the rainfall in Positano.