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.

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.

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

European countries are taking several measures as a deadly heatwave grips the continent