A severe heatwave is expanding its reach across Europe, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in Switzerland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic, while parts of France have recorded readings as high as 44°C.
The extreme weather event has triggered significant disruptions to daily life, including suspended railway services and heightened strain on power grids.
The heatwave has also reached the Balkans, where animal welfare activists in Montenegro have raised alarms over abandoned horses left without water or shelter in the extreme conditions.
The situation underscores the broader humanitarian and logistical challenges posed by the rapidly intensifying weather pattern.
For markets, the persistent high temperatures are likely to drive up electricity demand, potentially tightening supply in regions already under stress.
Agricultural sectors may face additional headwinds as crop yields come under pressure from the prolonged heat.