From Europe in the West to China in the East, several countries across the globe are bearing the brunt of the soaring mercury levels as the earth continues to battle extreme temperatures.
Research by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finds a direct correlation between the rising temperatures and changing atmospheric circulation patterns that lead to increased occurrences of extreme temperatures.
According to IPCC, research clearly reveals an increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events since the 1950s.
Here's a brief account of how the countries are currently reeling under extreme heat conditions.
Cerberus heatwave in Europe
As mercury reaches 40 degrees celcius in several parts of Europe, the Italian health officials intensified heat warnings.
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Southern Europe began an brutally hot week on Monday while multiple cities across the region are already overburdened by tourists.
In a bid to protect elderly people, the sick and pets from the heat, the health ministry issued 10 recommendations which include a request for the people to stay indoors during the hottest hours, drink at least 1.5 litres (nearly half a gallon) of water a day and refrain from strenuous exercise at peak daylight times.
It has been reported that the high-pressure anticyclone Cerberus primarly caused the weather disaster in Europe.
The third heatwave in a month was expected to affect much of the Mediterranean and last until Wednesday.
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The mercury in Rome hit 35 C (95 F) just before noon Monday and was forecast to near 40 C (104 F) in the afternoon.
Besides Italy's heatwave, a massive wildfire started in Spain's Canary island of La Palma on Saturday which continued to burn out-of-control on Monday.
As per media reports, the blaze has burned some 4,600 hectares (11,300 acres) of mostly woody hill land and some 20 houses and buildings.
More than 4,000 residents were evacuated from their homes on Saturday but were allowed to return as of late Sunday.
Spain's Aemet weather agency said the heat wave this week “will affect a large part of the countries bordering the Mediterranean“ with temperatures in some southern areas of Spain exceeding 42 C (107 F).
China records highest-ever temperature
Breaking the previous record of 50.3C, China recorded its highest-ever temperature on Sunday amid blistering heatwaves as the remote Sanbao township in the Turpan depression of Xinjiang witnessed temperatures climb up to 52.2C.
A dramatic range of extreme weather conditions continue to batter China in recent days
From record-breaking heatwaves to extreme rainfall prompting floods and landslides and tropical storm, this year the country has witnessed a series of climate disasters.
Wildfires burn Greece
A massive wildfire in Greece prompted evacuation of more than a thousand children from a summer camp.
Because of the Mediterranean heatwave, two separate blazes are tearing through the country, as per media reports.
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In the coastal town of Loutraki, west of Athens, 1,200 children were evacuated as flames approached their camp.
Dozens of people have had to leave their homes in the wider area, assisted by emergency service crews. Several animals also had to be evacuated, including a number of horses that were in stables that caught fire.
