In Paris, the sidewalks are now filled with huge rubbish rocks. The garbage workers are striking and do not intend to back down. Rats and mice, for their part, seem to have happy days.

Highs in Germany, Netherlands and Belgium exceeded for second time in 24 hours.

All-time record highs for June have already been topped, but all-time records for any month of the year could be threatened this weekend.

The southwest region of France was hit on Wednesday by violent hailstorms, damaging roofs, cars and killing one person.