Bulgarian boys are enjoying the cool splashes of a city fountain, as temperatures topped 30 degrees. Italy and France are tormented by almost 40-degrees heat in the meantime. Photo by bulphoto.com
Blasts of torrid air from northern Africa have swept through southern Europe, sharply affecting Italy and France. Temperatures in the two countries neared 40 degrees Celsius Tuesday, killing at least eight people. Authorities issued a warning that elderly people are the most seriously endangered. Meanwhile, temperatures in Bulgaria are expected to reach 34 degrees at the end of this week. Early summer heat is already pushing people to swimming pools, lakes and even fountains.