Europe heat wave: 12 countries experience record-breaking temperatures

A ferocious heat wave smashed records across Europe in the summer that has seen at least 12 countries experience record-breaking temperatures, with the temperature in France surpassing 45 degrees Celsius for the first time on record.

The country, along with Spain, Italy and parts of central Europe were particularly hit by the soaring temperatures. Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands all saw new temperature records as well.

The extreme temperature caused about 1,500 more deaths than usual in France over June and July, up 9.1 percent on average for the period according to the country's health ministry. Half of those who died were aged over 75.

The World Meteorological Organization said the heat wave in Europe was "absolutely consistent" with extremes linked to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions.