The first major heat wave of the season broke temperature records across north-west Europe, triggered water shortages in the UK and has been linked to several deaths in France.
Scorching temperatures from the heat wave, driven by a persistent high-pressure heat dome, are expected to continue until May 26 before easing on May 27, according to meteorologists and weather models.
Daytime highs in London and Paris could reach 35 deg C and 33 deg C on May 26, according to the UK Met Office and Météo-France. Over the weekend, increased water demand triggered system failures that left about 800 households in Kent and Sussex without water or low pressure.
In France, the heat wave has been linked to at least seven deaths, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon said on May 26 on TF1 television. At least five people died from drowning, while others died from heat-related causes during sporting events, she said.
Amber alerts for high temperatures are in effect for western Spain and similar alerts are active for parts of the UK, including London, east and south-east England, and the Midlands. BLOOMBERG