Sweden has lost its highest peak while a Finnish supermarket is allowing customers to sleep in its air conditioned aisles. Even Rudolf's friends near the home of Father Christmas are taking to the beach to cool off.

As Europe braces itself for what could be its hottest day, there are growing signs that the escalating heatwave is starting to take its toll on the scorched continent.

In the UK, parts of the country are set to be hit with another blast of hot weather after enduring the second hottest July on record.

Temperatures could climb back up to 31C in London this weekend, with sunshine returning to most of the country.

Alex Burkill, a Met Office meteorologist, said the mercury was likely to reach the high 20s and low 30s again, adding that despite the more comfortable temperatures in recent days "it is not the end of the hot weather for the summer".