CNN —A blistering and deadly heat wave is sweeping Europe, potentially bringing record-breaking temperatures. Parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia and Italy are all facing intense heat, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Heat is one of the deadliest natural hazards – more than 61,000 people died in Europe’s searing summer heat wave last year. Sardinia and Sicily are expected to be close to the current European temperature record of 48.8 degrees Celsius (nearly 120 Fahrenheit), according to the ESA. Temperatures were expected to stay around 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) across the region into next week.

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Persons: –, Antonio Masiello, Florence –, Alessandro Miani, SIMA, Italy “, rvoje Organizations: CNN, European Space Agency, ESA, Italian Meteorological Society, Piazza del Popolo, Italian Health Ministry, Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, RAI, Greek Culture Ministry, Police, Canadair, Reuters Locations: Europe, Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Italy, Sardinia, Sicily, Rome, Lodi, Athens, Grebastica, Sbenik, Sibenik