Extreme heat brings 'life or death' scenarios to citizens across Europe

The World Meteorological Organisation has said Europe is warming at more than twice the global average making such prolonged heat episodes increasingly likely. File picture: Ed Jones/AFP/Getty 

Thousands of the most vulnerable across Europe are facing into "life or death" scenarios due to the extreme heat which has gripped the continent, and is to worsen in the days to come.

Cities across Europe have been forced to close schools, curtail public transport, and close tourist sites as temperatures reached or soared past 40C.