The most extreme heat is forecast to begin fading at the weekend, with heavy thunderstorms expected on Sunday. Across Europe, cultural landmarks have had to close, farming has suffered and some hospitals have struggled to cope. The heatwave has pushed temperatures up to 18 C above their seasonal average.

UK June heat record could be broken for the second consecutive day

A heatwave sweeping Europe was starting to peak in Germany on Thursday, with several open-air events cancelled and temperatures expected to top 40C through the weekend.

Europe is grappling with a severe heatwave, with Germany recording a new record temperature of 41.3°C. This sweltering weather, linked to numerous deaths, is moving east after…