Europe’s fifth heatwave fans record wildfires across a dozen nations

No direct Australian consequence today, but this is the biggest climate-infrastructure emergency of 2026 and shapes global insurance, energy and travel markets Australians participate in.

In a nutshell: As of 12 August, 567,000 hectares had burned across the EU — more than double the 20-year average. Fires near Athens evacuated hundreds of tourists by boat; France recorded 42°C; the UK logged its hottest day of the year at 38.1°C. Hungary’s sole nuclear plant came close to forced shutdown as the Danube fell to record lows.