The worst heat was felt in southern Europe, while punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Paris and remain unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The heat wave that has blanketed much of Europe is expected to linger over the continent this week, driving up temperatures and offering little reprieve.

France and the rest of Europe remains in the grip of the first major heatwave this summer with health warnings in effect on Tuesday, even as conditions begin to improve in some parts of the region. Punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 40C in Paris and to stay unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands.