A record-breaking heatwave continued to grip Europe on Sunday, with temperatures forecast to reach 40°C in parts of Germany, Italy and Poland, while France reported about 1,000 excess deaths linked to the extreme weather.

Axar.az reports, citing Reuters, French health authorities said most victims were elderly and warned the death toll could rise as more cases are confirmed.

Scientists said the heatwave, which began on June 20, was the worst ever recorded in Europe and was made far more likely by human-caused climate change.

The extreme temperatures have disrupted transport, strained healthcare systems and affected power generation. Hungary's Paks nuclear plant reduced output due to rising Danube River temperatures, while low water levels in Italy's Po River have heightened concerns for agriculture and freshwater supplies.

Storms brought some relief to parts of France but also caused power outages, leaving about 63,000 households without electricity.