The United Kingdom has smashed a century-old temperature record for the second time in 24 hours as a spring heatwave continued to scorch parts of Western Europe, triggering government warnings about risks to life.

Scientists say record-breaking heat is a reminder of how climate crisis is affecting lives

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.

Extreme heat settles upon western Europe, with values in Spain set to reach 40 degrees