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

Extreme heat in Europe has driven fresh wildfire activity in France while snowy weather returns to parts of northern Italy, underscoring the regional swings in conditions. In southern France, a major forest fire continued to spread rapidly, scorching more than 800 hectares, as firefighting units and water-bomber aircraft worked to contain the blaze. The fire began Wednesday afternoon in Hérault and expanded quickly, driven by high temperatures, drought, and strong winds. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said the combined total from three fires, including two on the western edge of Marseille, reached 1,210 hectares. At the same time, the article reports that while parts of Italy remain under heat influence, fresh snowfall was recorded at the Stelvio Pass in the Italian Alps. It also notes a viral video of rainfall consequences in Positano involving two foreign tourists.