New Delhi, June 27 -- Europe's record-breaking heatwave intensified over the weekend, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius across several countries, new national heat records being set, and nearly 200 million people expected to experience temperatures above 35C as the scorching conditions spread eastward.

The prolonged heat has already been blamed for dozens of deaths, overwhelmed hospitals, widespread event cancellations and disruptions to energy production, while scientists said the extreme weather is due to climate change.

Germany recorded its highest-ever temperature of 41.5C on Saturday, according to the German Weather Service (DWD), surpassing the previous day's record of 41.3C. Forecasters warned temperatures could stil...