A severe heatwave is gripping much of Europe, with temperatures reaching and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The extreme weather is affecting several countries, including France, the UK, Spain, and Germany, as a heat dome sets in and temperatures continue to rise.
In France, where temperatures have soared above 40 degrees Celsius, three people have died from health issues caused by the extreme heat. Authorities have set nearly 2,700 schools to close or modify their timetables. French forecasters warn that the current heatwave could be as serious as the one in August 2003, which claimed nearly 15,000 lives.
Nationwide warnings have been issued across the continent, leading to transport disruptions and strain on wildlife and tourist hotspots. While much of western Europe faces dangerously hot and humid conditions and record-breaking temperatures, Germany is also facing the threat of extreme thunderstorms.
The heatwave is forecast to strengthen and intensify further this week. Various countries are taking special measures to mitigate the effects of the ongoing bout of extreme weather.