What Is Causing The Global Heatwave, And How Long Will It Last?

A remote township in China's arid northwest endured temperatures of more than 52 Celsius on Sunday.

Millions across Europe and the United States are battling a severe heat wave, and the temperatures are forecast to go even higher.

In the US, the heatwave which stretches from Texas to California is expected to peak and the US National Weather Service has warned of an "extremely hot and dangerous weekend".

In Europe, countries in the southern parts are already enduring forest fires and heavy thunderstorms, and are expected to see their thermometers soar past 40 degrees Celsius in the coming days. Italy was among the hardest hit by last year's warm weather, reporting about 18,000 heat-related deaths, more than any other European nation.

A remote township in China's arid northwest endured temperatures of more than 52 Celsius on Sunday, setting a record for a country that was battling minus 50 degrees weather just six months ago. The record heat in the country is expected to persist at least another five days.