Simon Stiell said burning fossil fuels was driving intense heatwaves as UK and France broke temperature records on consecutive days

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.

Heat dome over Europe scorches UK, Ireland, France and Spain