Scorching temperatures of 46C were recorded in southern Spain over the weekend, as the heatwave gripping Europe shows no sign of abating. The continent is sweltering under blistering temperatures, as the summer gets under way in a blast of heat.

Southern Spain has seen some of the hottest temperatures in recent days, with the mercury hitting the mid-40Cs in Seville and neighbouring areas. Thermometers recorded a staggering 46C in the town of El Granado in Huelva province, setting a new heat record – according to Spain’s national weather service. The sizzling weather has not been confined to Spain though, with many other parts of Central, Eastern and Southern Europe baking in the scorching sun.

Weather alerts have been issued in several countries, as authorities grow increasingly concerned about the impact on health the extreme weather is having.

Red heat warnings are in force in parts of Portugal, Italy and Croatia, while numerous amber alerts were issued in France, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia and Switzerland.

Two deaths have already been registered in Spain, where a woman died after completing a shift as a road sweeper in Barcelona on Saturday.

A Dutch tourist also died from heatstroke while out hiking with friends in Majorca last week.

The 34-year-old was walking on the Camí de Son Sales trail near Sóller, when he collapsed in the hot weather.

His friends called the emergency services at 2.50pm, who dispatched medics to the scene to provide aid.

Unfortunately, they were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

In Italy, dedicated heatstroke units have been set up in several hospitals to speed up treatment for those suffering from heatstroke.

Health officials in Bologna have set up seven climate shelters with air conditioning and drinking water, while Rome has offered free access to city swimming pools for those over 70.

The elderly are quite often the most susceptible to suffer illness from extreme heat, which also can adversely affect pregnant women.

Extreme heat causes around 175,000 people every year in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation.

Dr Hans Kluge, a Regional Director for the organisation, said: “In the European region, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related death.”

He explained that extreme temperatures exacerbate chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and cerebrovascular diseases.