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

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.

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