In pictures: Europe roasting again as heatwave continues

The Malvarrosa beach in Valencia, Spain, was packed on Saturday as the region experienced high temperatures

Europe has experienced another sweltering day as a heatwave that has already claimed several lives continues across parts of the continent.

Temperatures in France were slightly lower than on Friday, when the country recorded its highest-ever temperature.

But some areas of northern Spain saw temperatures soar above 40C, with the city of Zaragoza recording 42C and a meteorological station between the Catalan towns of Vinebre and Masroig - close to an area already hit by wildfires - recording 43.3C.

In France's southern Vaucluse region, a cyclist died after falling ill in the heat. Officials said the cyclist had been in a mountainous region and warned people against engaging in sporting activity.

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Meteorologists say hot air drawn in from northern Africa and high pressure over central Europe are contributing to the heatwave.

Meanwhile, the UK recorded its hottest day of the year on Saturday, with the temperature reaching 34C (93.2F) at Northolt and Heathrow airports in west London.

On Friday, France registered its highest recorded temperature - 45.9C - in the southern village of Gallargues-le-Montueux.

Spain's national meteorological agency has issued weather alerts to 40 of the country's 50 regions, with seven of them under extreme alert

The high temperatures have also contributed to at least two large wildfires in Spain, like this one near the central city of Toledo

People soak their feet in the water of the Stravinsky fountain in Paris, where temperatures reached 36C on Saturday

In the Gard department in southern France, more than 700 firefighters were deployed to tackle a fire that destroyed several houses and vehicles

Pilgrims cool down in a fountain as they cover the Santiago Way, in Logroño, on Friday. Spain has recorded at least two deaths as a result of heat-related effects

People queue to drink water from a public tap near the Duomo cathedral, in Milan. In Italy, at least one death has been linked to the heatwave

Athlete Jan Frodeno trains ahead of Sunday's Ironman event - an endurance triathlon - in the German city of Frankfurt. Organisers are making plans to prevent athletes from overheating in temperatures of up to 38C

Revellers on inflatables attend the Utrecht Drijf festival. The Netherlands - along with many other European countries - has declared a heatwave

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