The heatwave has left some regions facing the threat of severe drought.
Health warnings are in place in the parts of Europe where temperatures have reached potentially dangerous levels.
Italy is currently experiencing temperatures 10C higher than the average for this time of year.
In Sicily this week, the mercury rose to 42C as a blanket of hot air from Africa swept through the Mediterranean.
Tourists and locals have been cooling off in cities across southern Europe by dousing themselves in water from public fountains and walking the streets under the shade of parasols.
Children played in fountains to cope with high temperatures in Albania
A man uses a drinking tap to cool off in Saint Peter's Square in Rome
High temperatures are expected in parts of central Europe and the Balkans in the coming days, according to Meteoalarm.
The heatwave is expected to last until at least Monday, with health warnings issued in 26 European cities.
A pair of carriage horses are doused with water in Vienna
Tourists in Rome took advantage of the Italian capital's many water fountains
In Prague, people took to local parks to sunbathe as parts of the Czech Republic reached 38C
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