France, June 26 -- WWA researchers said that the extreme temperatures are now up to 200 times more likely than just two decades ago.

Millions of people across France, Spain, Italy and the UK have faced temperatures above 40C this week.

France recorded a record 44.8degC in Prunier, central France, on Thursday. The intense heat has been linked to dozens of deaths and disrupted power supplies, schools and tourist sites across parts of Europe.

The scientists compared the current heatwave with how the same weather pattern would have unfolded in 1976 and 2003 - years when heatwaves also occured.

They found an equivalent event in June 1976 would have been around 3.5C cooler during the day and significantly cooler at night, while one in 2003 ...