By Reuters

AMSTERDAM – Temperatures in the Netherlands topped 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) on Thursday for the first time since records began, the Dutch meteorology institute KNMI said.

Temperatures peaked at 40.7C (105.3F) in the south of the country, breaking the national record of 39.3C set only the day before.

Temperatures above 40C were also measured in the east, near the German border.

Until Wednesday, the Dutch national heat record had stood at 38.6 degrees, set in 1944.