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.

A marine heat wave in the Mediterranean is combining with a powerful heat dome to cause Europe to swelter under a brutal early summer heat wave.

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.