Anticyclone 'Lucifer' sees Sicily reach highest temperature ever recorded in Europe

According to Italian Government statistics, fire-fighters have dealt with 44,442 wildfires in the country since June 15 - a major increase one the 26,158 reported last summer

A volunteer leaves for some rest after trying to control fire in the Municipality of Blufi, in the upper Madonie, near Palermo, Sicily, Italy, as many wildfires continue plaguing the region. Picture: AP Photo/Salvatore Cavalli

A weather station in the town of Syracuse in Sicily recorded temperatures of 48.8 degrees celsius today - the hottest ever recorded in Europe.

The temperature was confirmed by Sicily's Agrometeorological Information System (SIAS), though the data has yet to be officially validated by Italy's national meteorological service.