Record-breaking temperatures have sweltered much of Western Europe this week, as the latest heatwave of the year nears its peak.
Drowning deaths have soared in France, as citizens scramble to cool off in rivers and canals, while thousands of homes were left without electricity due to intense heat triggering an incident in the northwest department of Finistère.
The country witnessed its hottest day since measurements began on Tuesday (23 June), with national weather service Météo-France recording a blistering 44.3°C in Possos – while other regions on red alert baked under unprecedented highs.
In the UK, Brits are bracing for highs of up to 38°C – while the country has already experienced its hottest June day on record after temperatures hit 36.1°C. Hundreds of schools have been closed due to concerns that pupils will not be safe in sweltering buildings.
In Spain, temperatures are forecast to dip slightly. It is a much-needed relief after 44°C days scorched southern Andalusia on Tuesday, but balmy temperatures will still continue.
