Much of Europe is baking in soaring temperatures that have claimed several lives since Sunday.

Denmark is experiencing a mass exodus to beaches and parks, as temperatures hit 33C in some places.

In Britain, many also are heading to the water, often setting up pools in back gardens.

Parisians are getting welcome relief from the punishing heat on the city's artificial beach along the River Seine.

The heat wave has also brought drought to a number of countries. In Poland, lawmakers held a special mass to pray for rain.

Animals in Europe's zoos have been showered on a regular basis...

...but for many the respite was too short.