Temperatures soared to record highs in Britain, Ireland, and France on Monday, with forecasters warning of a prolonged period of extreme heat across Europe throughout the week.
A 'heat dome' of warm air from northern Africa trapped under a high-pressure system over western Europe is behind the high temperatures not usually seen until high summer.
Temperatures in Spain were expected to peak later this week at 38C, while parts of Italy imposed restrictions on working outdoors.
In the United Kingdom, the Met Office weather agency said it was the hottest May day on record, with temperatures hitting 34.8C at Kew Gardens, southwest London.
Scientists say human-induced climate change is making extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods more intense, resulting in temperature records being broken more frequently.
