In pictures: Europe swelters under near-record temperatures

Much of Europe has been basking in a mini-heat wave since Friday, and countries like the UK, France and Spain have experienced near-record temperatures.

But with lockdowns and social distancing measures in place across the continent, this is a summer like no other.

A woman uses a fan to refresh herself at Madrid Rio area in Madrid, SpainImage copyright
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In Spain’s capital, Madrid, face masks are compulsory due to an outbreak of cases – and coverings must be worn even during the heat

A woman refreshes herself in water at a square in Córdoba, SpainImage copyright
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A woman refreshes herself in the Spanish city of Córdoba where temperatures reached 40C

People enjoy the hot weather in by the river Thames in London, BritainImage copyright
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People sunbathing while social distancing in London, UK, where temperatures hit 34C on Friday

People enjoy the warm weather in the Waal river in Nijmegen, The NetherlandsImage copyright
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Locals have also been enjoying the beaches in Nijmegen in the Netherlands

People enjoy spraying water as a heat wave rolls over Paris, FranceImage copyright
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Residents have been finding creative ways to stay cool in Paris. France put 13 eastern areas of the country on alert due to the heat

A couple with a child try to protect themselves against the sun with a parasol as they walk near the VaticanImage copyright
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The authorities in Rome warned the elderly and children not to go out at the hottest times of the day because of dangerous temperatures

People cool off at a fountain during the heat wave in Rome, ItalyImage copyright
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People have been taking advantage of fountains to stay cool in Rome

People jump into water in Barcelona, SpainImage copyright
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People have been diving into the sea in Barcelona, Spain, where authorities issued an orange alert for temperatures of up to 40C

People enjoy bathing at sunrise in the Geneva lake in Geneva, SwitzerlandImage copyright
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A heat wave alert was also issued for areas of southern Switzerland, including Geneva

All pictures subject to copyright.

source: bbc.com