Germany braced for temperatures ‘well over 40C’ as Europe heatwave pushes east – live

Key events The UK is set to get some respite from this week’s record-breaking heat over the weekend, but much of the rest of Europe remains in the grip of an intense heatwave as it shifts eastwards. Germany provisionally recorded its highest ever temperature yesterday with 41.3C near the city of Saarbrücken close to the French border. Forecasters say the hottest conditions are now spreading into central and eastern Europe, including Poland and the Balkans , over the weekend. The Ironman European Championship taking place tomorrow in Frankfurt has been forced to adapt to the extreme conditions, with organisers shortening both the cycling and running courses because of the heat. People sit at the side of the Dortmund-Ems Canal in Dortmund, western Germany during a heatwave in Europe. Photograph: Ina Fassbender/AFP/Getty Images “The ‌heatwave is going to peak at the weekend, well over 40C in some parts of Germany,” Karsten Brandt, a meteorologist ‌at weather forecasting site Donnerwetter.de, told Reuters. France has borne the brunt of the heatwave, with temperatures exceeding well above 40C in some regions. The sweltering conditions have contributed to a growing number of heat-related fatalities in recent days, including dozens of drownings as people sought relief from the heat. Others have died after being left in hot vehicles or from heat stress. …