It is set to cool down across parts of Europe after record-breaking highs for May of more than 40°C in some places, but the hot weather looks set to be replaced by some "nasty storms" hitting the region. Over the weekend, the state weather agency, AEMET, issued heat warnings in 10 regions describing it as one of the most "intense" heatwaves for years.
Spain's health ministry urged residents to drink plenty of water and to stay in cool places when possible. It also advised people to reduce physical activity. Temperatures in France peaked at 35.8°C in Soorts-Hossegor, in the southwest of the country, with numerous monthly temperature records falling.
Hot air coming up from north Africa is causing a rise in temperature, up to 15 degrees above the average for the time of year. Temperatures in France have also been above average for the time of year, and there have been damaging storms in Germany.
Read more: Better weather forecast for the UK as temperatures set to soar
BBC weather presenter Tomasz Schafernaker said: "It has been quite extraordinary across western parts of Europe in the last couple of days for May. We've been breaking many records in excess of 40 degrees in Spain, mid 30s, expected in France, more like July August really.
"Things are turning and it will certainly freshen up in many areas. But as a result, there'll be some pretty nasty storms forming once again, and we've had our fair share of nasty storms across western and central Europe just in the last few days."
A tornado struck the western city of Paderborn in Germany as authorities said the winds, which meteorologists warned could reach up to 81mph, blew away roofs, toppled trees and sent debris flying for miles. Mr Schafernaker said that on Monday it was looking cooler in Europe with 26°C in Rome, 23°C in Madrid and 19°C in Bordeaux.
Adding: "There is much fresher Atlantic air invading this part of Europe where we've been experiencing that heat, but there will be storms on that weather front as it crosses into more central and then eastern parts of Europe. It remains fresh all the while across the British Isles and much of Scandinavia in Oslo at around 15°C with some showers expected. The weather eventually settles down with some sunshine.
"The same goes for London and in Madrid in the coming days. We can expect the temperatures to pick up as well. In Kyiv it's on the warm side with a few showers through Wednesday"
Scientists say that heatwaves are likely to become more frequent and more intense around the world, as global temperatures rise. A recent study conducted by the Met Office found that record-challenging heat waves in April and May have been made 100 times more likely by climate change. India has experienced heatwave after heatwave during the months of April and May, with temperatures hitting a record 49.2°C in parts of the capital, Delhi.
In the UK, there are thundery downpours forecast for the start of this week before an area of high pressure moves in in time for the weekend. The long range forecast for the whole of the UK from Friday until Sunday, June 5 is good.
It says: "Dry conditions with sunny spells are expected for most on Friday, although some cloud and light rain or showers are likely to be seen in the northern regions.
"Over the weekend, fine and dry weather will persist, however some light showers remain possible, especially in the north and east. Near normal temperatures can be expected for most, perhaps feeling warmer in the south and southwest. Into the following week, the weather is likely to become more settled, with any few showers most likely to be seen in the north and east.
"This means drier conditions and above average temperatures for most, particularly in the south and southeast, and fewer showers all round. As we move into the beginning of June, drier than average conditions are expected to persist overall."
