Temperature records began to fall across France on Tuesday, and more are expected in the upcoming days as locations endure the second major heat wave of the summer.
Article continues below
Bordeaux, in southwestern France, reported its highest ever temperature on Tuesday as the mercury climbed to 41.2 C (106.2 F). Several other locations across southwestern France also reported all-time high temperatures on Tuesday, according to Meteo France.
Temperature records continued to be shattered on Wednesday as new all-time high temperatures were set in both Belgium and the Netherlands.
The temperature reached 38.8 C (101.8 F) in Gilze en Rijen in the southern Netherlands, breaking the previous record from 1944.
In Belgium, a high temperature of 39.9 C (103.8 F) was reported in Kleine Brogel, setting a new standard for the highest temperature ever in the country.
Despite Wednesday's record heat, the hottest day of the heat wave is expected on Thursday, when a temperature of 40.6 C (105 F) is forecast for Paris. This would break the city's current all-time high temperature record of 40.4 C (104.7 F) at Parc Montsouris, set more than 70 years ago.
Record-breaking temperatures are possible in several major metropolitan areas including Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam on Thursday.
AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures will mirror actual temperatures throughout the day. Despite the intense July sunshine, a moderate breeze, occasional clouds and relatively low humidity will prevent it from feeling hotter than the readings on thermometers.
French energy company EDF stated that it would shut down two nuclear reactors in an attempt to limit the amount of heating water used to keep the reactors cool at Golftech nuclear power plant.
The French government has also banned animal transportation "for economic reasons" between the hours 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., local time, in areas affected by orange and red heat alerts, according to AFP.
Meanwhile, the cities of Paris and Lyon have also banned heavily polluting vehicles from entering the center of both cities in a bid to keep the air clean during the heat wave.
High temperatures of 38 C (101 F) and 36 C (97 F) in Brussels and Amsterdam will also threaten all-time high temperatures records for each city.
Farther east, several days of temperatures in excess of 32 C (90 F) are forecast for Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Milan.
The interior of Spain will also endure several more days of intense heat. A high temperature of 38 C (100 F) on Wednesday and Thursday is expected and would result in a seven-day stretch of such temperatures.
The United Kingdom will also have to cope with the brutal heat as the country's all-time high temperature record may fall on Thursday. The current record is 38.5 C (101.3 F). ■