Firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey and France on Monday and more than 50,000 people were evacuated as an early summer heatwave hit Europe.

Firefighters battled wildfires in Turkey, forcing the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents, as an early summer heatwave hit Europe and put Spain on course for its hottest June on record.

Data from European forecasters suggests other countries are set to broil further in coming days — with new highs expected on Wednesday — before rain brings respite in some areas later in the week.