Soaring temperatures have gripped parts of Europe, which has barely recovered from its last heatwave, BBC reports.
Droughts and forest fires have hit Spain and Portugal and the scorching heat has spread to France and the UK.
Temperatures are set to peak on Thursday in France and Spain and authorities have cancelled traditional fireworks displays on France's national day to reduce the risk of fires.
Heatwaves have become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting because of climate change. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began.
The heat sweeping across Spain is unusual in that it is affecting almost the whole of the country.
High temperatures are often registered in the summer months, particularly in southern and central areas of the country.
That is certainly the case during this heatwave, with Andalusia, Castilla La Mancha and Extremadura all seeing temperatures in the low 40s Celsius so far this week. However, northern Spain, which usually avoids extreme temperatures, is also being hit, with the north-western region of Galicia on red alert - the highest category - as it braces itself for temperatures of up to 42C in the Miño valley.
Another 13 regions are on orange or yellow alert.
The north-eastern city of Zaragoza is forecast to see temperatures of up to 43C, while Badajoz, in the south-west, is set to hover around 45C.
Air quality is poor in many areas across the north because of the heat. That adds to existing health concerns caused by the hot weather, which mean that the streets of towns and villages tend to be much quieter in the afternoon.
With the heatwave expected to continue into the weekend, it could break records in terms of length if it goes on into next week.
