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.

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.

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