Paris — A heat wave gripping parts of Europe sent temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius (109.4 Fahrenheit) in southern France and the Western Balkans on Monday, fueling wildfires, triggering top-level weather alerts and forcing evacuations in several countries across what scientists warn is the world’s fastest-warming continent.

Europe is braced for wildfire threats and scorching weather, as a heat wave engulfs the region this week. The highest red heat alerts have been issued for 12 departments in southwest France, where temperatures as high as 43C (109F) are forecast for areas near Bordeaux and Toulouse on Monday and Tuesday.

Wildfires have been raging across Europe over the past few days, with several countries, such as Italy and Spain, experiencing severe heatwaves.