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

A mass of warm air from Africa will hit Spain and France from this Saturday until Tuesday 23 June, with temperatures in some areas possibly exceeding 40°C.

A mass of warm air from Africa will hit Spain and France from this Saturday until Tuesday 23 June, with temperatures in some areas possibly exceeding 40°C.

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.

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

Temperatures in southern Europe and the Mediterranean are soon getting too hot for tourists

This morning, the French Prime Minister called a crisis meeting with 14 of his ministers amid the rising heat, as orange heat warnings became active in 60 of the country's…

Nationwide warnings were also issued in Germany , while temperatures in Italy this weekend were hotter than in Bangkok.

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

The spike in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fuelled by a strong high-pressure system known as the ‘African anticyclone’.

A severe heatwave tightened its grip across large parts of Europe on Sunday, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, prompting health alerts, transport disruptions and…

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.

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

The heat surge around summer solstice, typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, raised concerns that extreme conditions may persist this year.

The severe heatwave prompted nationwide warnings, alcohol bans, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots.

The severe heatwave prompted nationwide warnings, alcohol bans, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots.