Scientists have warned that Europe is warming faster than the global average due to human-driven climate change, making heat waves more frequent and intense. | World News

Temperatures hit record highs for May in the United Kingdom and France on Monday, as forecasters warned of a prolonged period of extreme heat across Europe throughout the week.

The UK’s Met Office said Monday was the hottest May day on record, with the mercury hitting 33.5C at Heathrow near London by 1pm.

Five of the deaths were by drowning while two people died competing in sporting events

Parts of France and Spain are on course to see 40C heat later this week

Western Europe reeled under an unseasonal heatwave on Tuesday as record-breaking temperatures swept across the continent.