This past weekend, Europe was in the shadow of a heat wave and wildfires.

In the worst-hit parts of southern Europe, Spain, Portugal and France continued to battle uncontrolled wildfires amid a multi-day heat wave. On July 17, one of the fires spread to two popular Atlantic beaches. So far, at least 1,000 people have died from the heat.

Parts of Europe are experiencing higher temperatures and wildfires earlier than usual this year. The European Union has previously said climate change is causing dry weather, with some countries experiencing unprecedented long droughts and many more suffering from heatwaves.

The UK Met Office issued its first ever red alert on Thursday and the Health and Safety Agency issued its first “national emergency” warning, predicting extreme heat similar to continental Europe on Sunday and Sunday — with an 80% chance of a record high of 40C.