Residents and visitors swelter in Madrid heatwave

Madrid residents and tourists used fans and drank plenty of cold drinks in El Rastro flea market on Sunday (June 21) seeking relief from temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in the first heatwave of the year. 

“I'm dressed all in white because it's so hot, and I'm carrying my little electric fan everywhere I go,” said Miami tourist Haily, holding her tiny fan.

Spain's weather agency, AEMET, issued red and orange alerts across several regions, warning of temperatures exceeding 39-40C in large parts of the Iberian Peninsula and on the island of Mallorca.

AEMET said the heatwave, which officially began on Sunday, would last at least until Wednesday (June 24).

A punishing heatwave is sweeping across much of Europe and has prompted emergency meetings in France, nationwide warnings in Germany and strains on tourists and residents in Italy, as temperatures climbed towards record levels.

Scientists say climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense across Europe, raising the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption during the summer months.

Production: Sergio Leon, Elena Rodriguez/Reuters