Authorities accross Europe have warned of temperatures exceeding 39 and 40 degrees Celsius as a 'heat dome' sets in. Germany also faces the threat of extreme thunderstorms.

Much of Western Europe was sweltering in a gruelling heatwave on Friday with the mercury expected to continue rising in the coming days, shattering temperature records.

The temperature spike is being driven by a mass of hot air moving from the Sahara, fuelled by a high-pressure ‘African anticyclone’ system.

France, Spain and Germany roll out safety measures amid intensifying heat

People gather at Stonehenge in England on Saturday to celebrate the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. ALBERTO PEZZALI/AP