This picture taken on July 26, 2015 shows a child playing in a fountain on a square to cool himself amid a heatwave in Binzhou, eastern China's Shandong province.   CHINA OUT     AFP PHOTO        (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)
What NOT to do in a heat wave
01:14 - Source: CNN
CNN  — 

Western Europe is bracing for a sweltering heat wave as extreme temperatures are expected to grip the region for the second weekend in a row.

England will come close to its hottest temperature of the year Friday, set during last week’s intense hot spell. Highs will also come close to the country’s all-time heat record of 38.7 degrees Celsius (101.6 degrees Fahrenheit) set just last July, according to the UK Met Office, England’s weather service.

The Met Office has already issued heat alerts for parts of England as temperatures this weekend are forecast to climb to near 37 Celsius (99 Fahrenheit).

However, this time heat wave conditions are expected to persist for at least seven days in London and some surrounding areas.

“While this heat wave may not see temperatures quite as high as last week, the duration of the heat will be much more substantial,” CNN Meteorologist Taylor Ward said.

“Last week’s heat was really only a one- to two-day issue. This heat wave will last at least five days across the region, with cities like Paris likely topping 36 Celsius (97 Fahrenheit) each day from Friday through Monday.”

The French capital is forecast to see temperatures stay above 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) every day for the next week.

europe heat map 01

Belgium could see temperatures soar to 14 degrees Celsius above average in some places Sunday, as highs climb to over 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit). Brussels is expecting highs around 34-35 Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit) over the weekend.

Amsterdam and other parts of the Netherlands could experience high temperatures close to 32 Celsius (90 Fahrenheit) this weekend as well.

Above-average heat is expected to persist for at least the next nine days in Western Europe.

“When a heat wave lasts for this kind of duration the impacts can be compounding,” Ward said. “Many homes across the region don’t have air conditioning and when temperatures are well into the mid 30s Celsius (mid- to-upper 90s Fahrenheit), the buildings can’t cool down, putting people at risk, especially the elderly and those with health conditions.”