Washington: An intense heat dome has swelled over Scandinavia, pushing temperatures more than 10 degrees above normal and spurring some of the region's hottest weather ever recorded and a historic bush fire outbreak in Sweden.

Even as far north as the Arctic Circle, the mercury has come close to 32 degrees Celsius.

A wildfire burns in Karbole, outside Ljusdal, Sweden, on Sunday. Credit:AP

Normally, temperatures in Scandinavia during July warm to the comfortable early 20s. This week, they have soared into the early 30s.

Since Monday, several locations have approached or surpassed their highest temperatures observed any day or month of the year.