Heat waves in Europe have long ceased to be isolated events. Instead, they turned out to become a defining feature of the continent's summers, consequently impacting everything, from daily lift to travel choices.
After an unusually early heat wave in May, the continent had little time to recover before another spell of extreme temperatures swept across Europe throughout June.
France, Italy and Spain were among the hardest-hit countries, with temperatures climbing above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
The impact has been severe. Spain's Health Ministry reported 1,028 deaths in June due to high temperatures, while France recorded 2,025 deaths between June 22-28.
Beyond the human toll, recurring heat waves are also raising questions about the long-term sustainability of southern Europe's reputation as the world's premier summer holiday destination.
