More than 135 million people across Europe, mainly in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, are expected to face temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius (95F) as a new heatwave intensifies.

According to German weather service forecasts and 2025 population projections from the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, nearly three in five Europeans, or about 340 million people, are expected to experience temperatures above 30C (86F) on Thursday. Separate tracking from Austria's Klimadashboard shows similar figures.

The UK and France are expected to experience their fifth heatwave of the summer. Temperatures could reach 38C (100F) in central and southeastern England, potentially making Thursday the hottest day of the year in the UK.

France could see temperatures as high as 40C (104F).

The UK's highest temperature so far this year was recorded on June 26, when temperatures reached 38C in eastern England.

Britain's Met Office said earlier this week that only average conditions for the rest of August would be enough for 2026 to surpass last year's record as the UK's hottest year.

The Royal College of Nursing said Thursday that extreme heat was making parts of the National Health Service an "impossible and inhumane" place to work and receive care.

The organization said its helpline had received reports of staff collapsing during shifts, experiencing heat-related seizures and pregnant nursing staff working in temperatures above 30C. Many staff also reported working without air conditioning, fans or adequate ventilation.

France and the UK are also facing widespread drought, with shriveled crops and depleted rivers putting pressure on water supplies for households, farms and the environment.

Governments are seeking short- and long-term measures to reduce the effects of what is widely regarded as human-caused climate change.

More than 135 million people across Europe are expected to face temperatures above 35°C as another major heatwave intensifies across the continent.

France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom are among the hardest-hit countries. Temperatures could reach 40°C in France and 38°C in parts of England, while nearly 340 million Europeans are expected to experience temperatures above 30°C.

The heatwave comes as parts of Europe continue to face widespread drought, putting additional pressure on water supplies, agriculture and health services.