Millions of people across Europe are feeling the intensity of extreme weather as a relentless heatwave sweeps across the continent.

Pavements have radiated heat, forcing people to retreat indoors to escape the punishing rays. The sound of air conditioners has become deafening.

Europe’s latest heatwave could see it recording its hottest-ever temperatures this week. And this emergency situation could last for weeks more, according to the UN weather agency.

On this episode of Beyond The Headlines, host Victoria Pertusa looks into why summers keep getting hotter and hotter. She speaks to locals and experts to explore the factors and patterns that make heatwaves increasingly prevalent in recent years, and finds out how different communities are coping with this challenge.