Germany and Italy swelter in heatwave as records tumble across Europe

Germany and Italy endured sweltering conditions on Saturday as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths in western Europe spread eastwards, with temperatures topping 40C (104F). Denmark registered its highest temperature, 36.6C north of Odense, the warmest day since measurements began in 1874, while Slovakia recorded its warmest night, not falling below 26.3C.

Britain, France, Switzerland and Germany have seen record June heat, and the weather system could set further records as it moves towards Poland. A preliminary German reading of 41.3C was recorded near Saarbrücken, and forecasters warned the heat would peak at well over 40C in parts of the country; national services issued extreme heat warnings for nearly all of Germany, urged people to save water and forecast countrywide temperatures around 36C with local highs up to 42C.

The heat has had wide-ranging impacts.

Germany, Italy, Saarbrücken, Odense

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