Latest news with #MarseilleAirport
Euronews
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Euronews
Is Europe's whiplash weather the new normal for summer?
Europe has been experiencing dozens of extreme weather events in recent weeks, from blistering heatwaves to raging storms. Many of these rapidly fluctuating phenomena have already been attributed in part to human-induced climate change. And they are only expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to global warming, scientists say, bringing further substantial damage and loss. Experts warn that Europe should brace for another summer of weather whiplash as it oscillates between droughts and floods. 'These events are unfortunate reminders of the changing and volatile climate that Europe needs to adapt and prepare for, while taking action to drastically reduce carbon emissions in order to slow down and limit climate change,' the European Environment Agency says. Wildfires in Marseille, Spain and Türkiye were 'inevitable' in current weather conditions In southern France, wildfires are encroaching on the port city of Marseille. More than 1,000 firefighters have deployed to tackle the blaze, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau on Tuesday. Some 720 hectares have been consumed by the flames, the prefecture said, and hundreds of homes have been evacuated. Marseille Airport is experiencing a second day of flight disruptions, and train traffic has also been plunged into chaos. Climate data scientist Max Dugan-Knight at Deep Sky Research warns there is a clear link between the wildfires and climate change. 'The direct cause of the fire that is rapidly spreading near Marseille was apparently a car which caught on fire. But the real culprit is the current extreme fire weather conditions in France and across Europe,' he says. 'In these dry, hot, and windy conditions, even the smallest ignition would have spread quickly and caused serious damage.' It is the same story for other recent blazes, Dugan-Knight says: 'Just as high winds fanned flames and led to massive destruction in Los Angeles in January, winds are spreading fires across France and Spain. 'When high winds combine with a record-breaking heatwave and dry conditions, wildfires are inevitable.' Last week, a similar incident occurred in Türkiye. While the official cause of wildfires in Izmir was faulty power lines, they were made more likely and more intense by the soaring temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity that the area has been experiencing. Fires also broke out along the Turkish-Syrian border. Syrian minister of emergency and disaster management Raed al-Saleh called the situation 'extremely tragic.' In a statement posted on X, he said the fires had destroyed 'hundreds of thousands of trees' covering an area estimated at 10,000 hectares. 'We regret and mourn every tree that burned, which was a source of fresh air for us,' al-Saleh said. 'Hydroclimate whiplash' is exacerbating extreme weather Climate change is also contributing to a phenomenon known as 'hydroclimate whiplash', which refers to large swings between heavy rainfall and extreme drought conditions. This is particularly dangerous as the vegetation growth that happens after the rainfall is immediately dried out, becoming ready fuel for wildfires, Dugan-Knight explains. 'Through its impact on heatwaves and precipitation, climate change is making wildfires more common and more deadly,' he adds. He also warns that the emissions from wildfires 'point to a cruel irony and a vicious cycle where climate change makes wildfires more common, and wildfires' emissions contribute to climate change.' Balkans pummelled by storms after extreme heat The Balkans are currently experiencing just such rapidly changing weather phenomena. A severe hailstorm ripped up trees and roofs in Croatia on Tuesday, coming right on the heels of a 40°C heatwave. At least three people were injured, and severe damage was reported across the city, including downed trees and flooded streets. An Index news portal report quoted the Split meteorological service as saying that 'such storms are usual after a long period of heat with extremely hot days.' The weather service in neighbouring Slovenia said on Tuesday that snow fell at high altitudes in the Alps while the rest of the country has been pounded with heavy rain and hail. Climate change-induced extreme weather is putting Europeans at risk After battering Croatia, the storm later swept through Serbia. It came after firefighters battled more than 600 wildfires on Monday that injured six people. Serbia has been hit by a severe drought this summer that has endangered crops and led to restrictions in supplies of drinking water throughout the country. It is a concrete example of the findings of the first European Climate Risk Assessment (EUCRA). The report identifies 36 climate risks that pose a threat to Europe's energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, and people's health. It shows that many of these risks have already reached critical levels and can become catastrophic without urgent and decisive action. 'Without strong adaptation and mitigation actions, hundreds of thousands of people could die from heatwaves, and economic losses from coastal floods alone could exceed €1 trillion per year in a high warming scenario,' the EEA says.
Metro
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Metro
UK could see highs of 30°C this weekend with another heatwave on its way
Parts of the UK will see another heatwave this weekend as temperatures could reach highs of 32°C. It's good news for sun worshippers as the majority of the UK will be widely dry with sunny spells for the rest of the week. But while temperatures could climb to the low 30s by the end of the week, it's unlikely to get hotter than the heatwave we saw earlier this month which sparked amber heat health warnings. Different areas of the UK have different temperature thresholds to meet before they are officially classed as being in a heatwave. The Met Office warns that this upcoming heatwave is expected to last longer and extend further north and west, covering a larger part of the UK, than those we've already seen this year. It's expected that temperatures will peak over the weekend, with highs of up to 32°C in parts of England and Wales, before easing off slightly next week. Aside from patchy cloud and occasional drizzle across north west Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland, the weather is set to remain dry and clear for the majority of the UK this week. The Met Office has warned of the prospect of some 'uncomfortable warm nights' over the weekend – so make sure you're up-to-date on the latest cooling hacks, or consider getting a new fan. Chief meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: 'High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. Temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C in some areas towards the end of the week. 'Scotland is also expected to meet heatwave criteria over the weekend. 'In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.' It's not just those of us on land who are sweating it out during higher temperatures. More Trending Seas south of the UK are currently experiencing a significant marine heatwave, making the prospect of a dip in the sea a little more pleasant but potentially causing a negative impact on the marine environment. However the same can't be said for the seas off northern Britain and Northern Ireland, which will likely remain chilly. It comes as last month was the warmest June in England on record, and the second warmest in the UK since 1884. The hottest day of 2025 so far was recorded on July 1, reaching a high of 34.7°C in St James's Park in London. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Is Marseille Airport open? Latest travel advice after wildfires hit southern France MORE: This beauty-editor approved tinted SPF is part of Amazon's July Prime Day sale MORE: Marseille Airport closed with all flights cancelled — latest travel advice as wildfire nears city
See - Sada Elbalad
09-07-2025
- Climate
- See - Sada Elbalad
Wildfires Shut Marseille Airport, Burn Thousands of Hectares
Israa Farhan Devastating wildfires in southern France and Spain have led to major disruptions and extensive environmental damage, with Marseille Airport forced to shut down and more than 5,000 hectares of land scorched across the region. As extreme summer heat continues to fuel fast-moving blazes, authorities across Europe are on high alert. In southern France, a wildfire erupted near the town of Vitrolles, prompting officials to close Marseille Provence Airport on Tuesday. Thick smoke from the blaze blanketed the city and surrounding areas, resulting in the cancellation of at least 10 flights to destinations including Brussels, Munich, and Naples. Departures and arrivals were suspended from around noon, with some flights diverted to alternative airports in Nice, Nîmes, and other regional hubs. Marseille's airport, the fourth busiest in France, remained closed into the evening as fire crews battled the flames. Despite a rapid response by 600 firefighters and 10 aircraft, including four Canadair water bombers, the fire spread rapidly, driven by strong winds and dry vegetation. Flames reached up to 30 meters high, tearing through pine forests and threatening nearby towns such as Narbonne, Bages, and Peyriac-de-Mer. The Aude department, along with Var and Bouches-du-Rhône, has been placed on maximum alert due to the escalating fire threat. Meanwhile, in Spain, wildfires ravaged around 3,000 hectares of woodland in the Els Ports Natural Park near Paüls, Tarragona. The blaze, which broke out on Monday, intensified under record-breaking temperatures and bone-dry conditions. Spanish authorities urged nearly 18,000 residents in nearby areas to remain indoors to ensure their safety as firefighters battled to contain the spread. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany has also raised its alert level following a massive forest fire in the Saalfeld highlands of Thuringia. The blaze began near the village of Jösselsdorf last Wednesday, consuming 250 hectares of forest and prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. This fire is considered the largest of its kind in Thuringia in over three decades. More than 650 firefighters, supported by technical relief agencies and volunteers, have been involved in the containment efforts. These simultaneous wildfires underscore the growing impact of climate-related extreme weather events across Europe, with rising temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought conditions creating a perfect storm for fire outbreaks. Authorities across the continent are warning that the worst may still be ahead as the summer heatwave continues. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Euronews
09-07-2025
- Euronews
Marseille flights still disrupted as wildfires rage in south of France
Marseille Airport was temporarily closed on Tuesday due to a wildfire raging close to the southern French port city. An official update from the transport hub states that flights have now resumed without restrictions as of 9.30am on 9 July, although delays and cancellations are still expected. Train traffic was also halted in most of the surrounding area, and some roads were closed and others tangled with logjams. The prefecture said in a statement Tuesday evening that ''the situation is under control,″ though the fire has not yet been extinguished. It described the fire as ''particularly virulent.″ It urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads. Flights still delayed and cancelled at Marseille Airport Flights to and from Marseille Provence Airport have resumed, but travellers are still advised to prepare for disruption. "Delays or cancellations may nevertheless occur. We invite travellers to consult the updated list of departing and arriving flights in real time, and to contact their airline for more information," the airport says in a notice on their website. "Travellers with a reservation on a cancelled flight are asked not to go to the airport and to contact their airline to find out the conditions that apply." So far, flights that have been cancelled today are Turkish Airlines to Istanbul, Lufthansa to Frankfurt, Air France to Paris CDG, Aegean Cronus Airlines to Athens, Iberia to Madrid, Brussels Airlines to Brussels, Lufthansa to Munich, and Pegasus Airlines to Istanbul. Several arrivals are also delayed or cancelled. The airport adds that access to the transport hub by public transport and by road from Marseille remains disrupted, and travellers should give themselves extra time for the journey. On Tuesday, Marseille Airport closed at around midday and halted all flights as wildfires, fanned by winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour, raged nearby. Some flights were diverted to Nice, Nimes and other regional airports. The disruption comes during a peak travel season as the French summer holiday period begins. Train traffic halted around Marseille The prefecture said train traffic was halted, notably after a fire neared the tracks in L'Estaque, a picturesque neighbourhood of Marseille. SNCF, France's national rail operator, said rail travel to and from Marseille would remain "highly affected" on Wednesday. Its website shows more than a dozen train services have been cancelled or delayed in and out of the city. ZOU! rail service suspended its services in both directions between Marseille and Miramas. French regions under red alert for wildfires Several weeks of heatwaves combined with strong winds have increased the risk of wildfires in southern France, with several breaking out over the past couple of days. More than 1,000 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before racing toward Marseille. Some 720 hectares were hit by the blaze, the prefecture said. Nine firefighters were injured, according to the prefecture, or local administration. No dead have been reported. Hundreds of homes were evacuated. The prefecture urged people in the affected areas to stay indoors and off the roads. With the fire approaching Marseille, the prefecture also advised residents in the north of the city to keep windows closed to prevent toxic smoke from entering their homes. A red alert has been issued for forest fire risk in Bouches-du-Rhone, Var, and Vaucluse, France.
Metro
09-07-2025
- Climate
- Metro
Map reveals where wildfires are spreading across Europe ahead of summer holidays
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Hot summer weather is spreading wildfires across Europe after a blaze reached France's second-largest city and left 110 injured. Marseille's mayor lifted a confinement order for tens of thousands of people, announcing the brutal fire was in 'regression'. The blaze grounded all flights to and from Marseille and halted train traffic in most of the surrounding area on Tuesday. More than 1,000 firefighters were deployed to tackle the fire, which broke out near the town of Les Pennes-Mirabeau before racing towards Marseille. It came on a cloudless, windy day after a lengthy heat wave around Europe left the area parched and at heightened risk for wildfires. And it's not just France being affected by the sweltering heat – the Global Wildfire Information System has shown many other European countries are at risk. The wildfire in France forced Marseille Airport to close yesterday. The airport is open today, but flights are still affected. British Airways, Ryanair, Air France and easyJet, which have a strong presence at the airport, were hit with widespread cancellations and delays. Wildfires have broken out in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and across the rest of Europe. In Greece, authorities closed the Acropolis for several hours on Tuesday over high temperatures and the risk of wildfires as temperatures exceeded 40C. Yesterday in Spain, authorities forced residents to stay in their homes while firefighters tried to bring a blaze under control, but wind gusts of up to 55mph have halted efforts. According to the EU science hub, 213,993 hectares of land in the European Union have burned in wildfires since the beginning of this year. More Trending Destructive wildfires have already caused havoc in the Mediterranean this summer. More than 1,500 people were evacuated from their homes and hotels on the Greek island of Crete last week. Evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast while 230 firefighters battled the flames. Elsewhere in Europe, extreme heat has been deadly. A ten-year-old American girl collapsed and died during a visit to the Palace of Versailles in France last week. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Mother screamed 'my boy, my boy' after fire ripped through block of flats MORE: Wildfire 'at gates of Marseille' blocks out the sun and injures 110 people MORE: How the €1 European house scheme actually works
