The rising temperatures are being driven by hot air moving north from the Sahara desert, which is in turn trapping hot air over the affected areas, with forecasters suggesting the conditions could result in one of the longest heatwaves in recent years.

Scientists have said that recurring heatwaves are a marker of global warming, with Météo-France noting that of the 51 heatwaves recorded in France since 1947, 34 have taken place since 2000 and 26 since 2011.

Elsewhere the conditions have seen:

• Spain's state weather service Aemet warn of "extremely high" temperatures for the season until Wednesday "between five and 10 degrees above what is typical" - with some areas set to reach 44C. A red alert has been issued for the Basque country, with highs in San Sebastian forecast to rise to 40C, almost double its average for this time of year

• Italy issue red alerts for 12 cities, including Milan, Turin, Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome after several days of temperatures above 35C

• Five people die in fatal swimming accidents over the weekend in Germany, where temperatures have already reached as high as 38C

• The UK's Met Office issue a rare red heat warning for Wednesday and Thursday for parts of England and Wales, amid forecasts suggesting temperatures could reach 38C in some areas

• Firefighters battle a wildfire near near Akraifnio, in central Greece, that has forced the temporary closure of a major motorway following hot, dry weather and strong winds

• The IRM meteorological institute in Belgium forecasting record temperatures in the coming week. Meanwhile, the country's train operator announced some peak hour trains would be cancelled for Monday and Tuesday due to the heat