An intense heatwave has gripped Western Europe as France has recorded its highest temperature reaching 45.1 °C which has left two people dead. Heat warnings have been sent in different parts of Europe amid suffocating weather. Spain is also sweltering badly.

People look for relief in swimming pools, rivers or somewhere away from heat. Even animals have to go through tough times. Zoos are offering them frozen food. The World Meteorological Organization has predicted that 2019 could be the world’s hottest year as temperature continues to soar across the continent.

Here are some pictures telling the heatwave stories in Europe: