Europe sizzles under Cerberus heatwave – and it is only going to get hotter

Fifteen cities in Italy are under heat advisories signalling a high level of risk for older adults, the infirm, infants and other vulnerable people

Tourists cool off in a public fountain at the Sforzesco Castle in Milan (Luca Bruno/AP)

Scorching temperatures across Europe forced the closure of the Acropolis in Athens for a second day as officials warned of even hotter weather next week – when the mercury is forecast to top 40C in several popular Mediterranean tourist destinations.

In cities, those venturing out at all doused themselves in fountains while others sought out pools, the sea or shade in hopes of relief from the heat wave caused by Cerberus.