A blistering and deadly heatwave is sweeping Europe. The European Space Agency says Italy, Spain, France, Germany and Poland may see extreme conditions. A Red alert has been issued for 16 cities across Italy as extreme heat continues to affect southern Europe. Italy, Spain and Greece have been experiencing high temperatures for several days already. The Italian health ministry issued a red alert for 16 cities including Rome, Bologna and Florence for the weekend. According to Italian media, the heatwave is expected to continue well into next week, with 48 degree Celsius (118.4F) predicted in Sardinia. The Italian weather service said, the island will be at the epi-centre of next week's heatwave. Italy's government has advised people to avoid direct sunlight, and take particular care of the elderly or vulnerable.

Meanwhile, Greece has hit temperatures of 40 degree Celsius C (104.F) or more in recent days. The Acropolis in Athens – the country's most popular tourist attraction – was closed during the hottest hours yesterday to protect visitors.

In Spain, a forest fire on the island of La Palma has forced the evacuation of at least 500 people. The heatwave is set to extend to the Balkans later next week – although several countries, like Serbia and Hungary, are already experiencing daily temperatures hovering around 35 degree Celsius (95F).

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has warned that Extreme weather resulting from warming climate is unfortunately becoming the new normal.