Heat wave sees temperature reach 40C in Spain

With thermometers reaching an unseasonal 31 degree Celsius in Barcelona on Saturday, the city's beaches were packed with tourists and locals.

People flocked to parks, beaches and pools across Western Europe for a bit of respite from an early heat wave that saw the mercury rise above 40 in France and Spain.

In Germany, where highs of 38C were expected, the health minister urged vulnerable groups to stay hydrated.

Meanwhile, officials warned of wildfires across the western Mediterranean region as high temperatures and a long dry spell made for combustible conditions.

Experts say the early heat wave is a sign of what's to come as climate change makes extreme temperatures normally seen only in July and August more likely in June too.