Millions of people across Europe are sweltering under an early-season heat wave this week as temperatures climb to unusually high levels.

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

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’.

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