An early heat wave has had Europe firmly in its grip for days, and it's claiming lives: in France and Spain, at least seven people have died as a result of the high temperatures, according to the authorities. It's likely to be several months before a comprehensive tally of heat-related deaths is available. Very high temperatures are particularly dangerous for older people and small children.

Like colorful mushrooms, parasols dot the beach of Almada on Portugal's Costa da Caparica. Both Portugal and Spain set new temperature records for June of over 46 degrees Celsius (114 Fahrenheit). At night, temperatures on the Iberian Peninsula did not fall below 30 degrees in some places, making it almost impossible to get a good night's sleep without air conditioning.

The hottest day of the year is expected in Germany on Wednesday. Extreme heat warnings are in force in many regions, with temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius expected in Frankfurt am Main. In many places, the only thing that helps is a dip in the cool water, like at this swimming pool in the Swabian Alb.

The blazing sun rises over Paris on Tuesday. France has declared the highest heat warning level for the capital for the first time in five years, with temperatures of up to 41 degrees Celsius expected. Due to the heat, the upper floors of the Eiffel Tower, probably the city's most famous landmark, will remain closed to visitors until Wednesday.

In Venice, tourists have been forced to seek shelter under parasols during gondola rides. The Italian Health Ministry has declared the highest heat warning level in several regions, and a highway in Veneto had to be closed after it became deformed due to the heat. The German Foreign Office is currently warning against traveling to Italy due to the heat wave.

Taking a plunge in Munich helps make the long, hot days just about bearable. The high temperatures are a health risk: according to Germany's Federal Statistical Office, around 1,400 people in Germany have been treated in hospitals every year in the last decade for health problems caused by sun exposure or heat; an average of 22 people have died each year.

The animal and plant world is also suffering. Germany has already been in drought for months, and the high temperatures are causing additional drought stress in nature. According to researchers, the number and intensity of heat waves is continuing to increase due to human-caused climate change, which is especially bad in Europe.

This jogger took advantage of the cooler morning temperatures to get out for a run early Monday morning in Berlin. Later in the day, sport is not advisable in view of the high temperatures, especially outdoors. Even without exertion, heat stress can be dangerous for the body. In addition to sun protection, it's recommended to drink plenty of fluids and seek out cool places.

Temperature records were broken not only on land, but also in the Mediterranean Sea. Off the Balearic Islands, the water was up to 26 degrees Celsius — temperatures normally not recorded until August. In Greece, where this girl took a moment to cool off in an Athens fountain, strong winds have now made the heat somewhat bearable, but the risk of forest fires has risen to the highest level.

Elsewhere, fires have already broken out. In the Turkish province of Izmir, 1,000 firefighters are trying to contain a forest blaze. In Spain, two people died in a bush fire. Fires have also destroyed 400 hectares of land in France, where heat warnings were in force in 84 of 95 departments on Monday. "This is unprecedented," Agnes Pannier-Runacher, France's ecology transition minister, told AFP.

A dog and its owner managed to cool off in the Danube River. An end to the heat is in sight in Western Europe, with thunderstorms expected in France and Germany late Wednesday and Thursday. After that, the heat should ease noticeably, with temperatures below 30 degrees expected. Spain and Italy, on the other hand, may have to wait until the weekend for a slight drop in temperatures.