A heatwave is set to engulf southern Europe in the coming week with possible record temperatures in some regions.

Conditions are expected to surpass 40C as the heatwave – now named Cerberus – passes through parts of Spain, Italy, France, Greece and Turkey.

The sweltering weather has already been felt across these countries with temperatures exceeding 30C.

A man reportedly collapsed and later died and people have been fainting due to the extreme conditions.

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A tourist from the UK receives help near the Colosseum after fainting during a heatwave across Italy

Deep shades of crimson dominated the Met Office’s European weather forecast, with the current highest temperature predictions being 42C in Seville, 40C in the Turkish city Bodrum and 38C in Athens.

North Africa will also be affected by the severe heat.

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Where will the hottest places be?

Inland Spain is forecast to boil in temperatures of up to 43C in the next few days, while places like Foggia in eastern Italy could reach 44C by the middle of next week.

A woman fans herself in Madrid, Spain, Monday, July 10, 2023. Temperatures are beginning to rise at the start of the second heatwave registered in Spain this summer. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
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A woman fans herself in Madrid. Pic: AP

In parts of Sardinia, southern Italy and mainland Greece, maximum temperatures are expected to reach 40-45C, compared with an average of around 32C.

A woman cools off as she sits in the sea during a heatwave across Italy, in Naples, Italy July 10, 2023. REUTERS/Ciro De Luca TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
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Southern Italy will roast in the heatwave.

A man shelters from the sun with a t-shirt near the Colosseum during a heatwave across Italy, in Rome, Italy July 11, 2023. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapne

Southern France will feel the heat with Nimes predicted to hit 35C and Montpellier potentially climbing to 34C.

People enjoy the sun in the Tuileries gardens, Monday, July 10, 2023 in Paris where temperatures are expected to rise up to 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)
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Temperatures in France will exceed 30C. Pic: AP

Prague may see highs of 34C on Saturday, compared with the average of 24C.

In North Africa temperatures could hit the blistering heights of 50C – Tunisia has already endured record-breaking temperatures of up to 49C.

How long will it last?

The heatwave is caused by high pressure originating from the Sahara.

It is expected to persist for the next couple of weeks spreading eastwards to the Canary Islands and further westwards.

People cool-off on the banks of the Ticino river at the Ponte delle Barche (boats bridge) in Bereguardo, near Milan, Italy, Tuesday, July 11, 2023. An intense heat wave has reached Italy, bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius in many cities across the country. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
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Pic: AP

Although it’s unlikely that the European record of 48.8C, recorded at Syracuse in Sicily in August 2021 will be broken, the possibility remains open.

Why Cerberus?

Cerberus dog
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Cerberus guarded the gates of the underworld

The origin of the deadly heatwave stems from Greek mythology where Cerberus was debatably a three-headed dog guarding the gates of the Underworld.

The nightmarish hellhound is often depicted towering over flames.

Are there any weather warnings in place?

Across southern Spain, Italy and France weather warnings have been issued with people being urged to take precautions when out and about as temperatures are expected to exceed 40C.

The elderly, those with health conditions and others who live in exposed areas are especially being encouraged to be mindful of the conditions.

Essential travel is advised.

Already, one man in his 40s has been reported dead after collapsing and failing to recover in hospital, while many more have passed out in the baking heat.

Meanwhile, the UK is expected to revert to average summer temperatures although unsettled weather will carry on until August.

Due to the low-pressure systems being directed to the country from the southwest, more rain is expected in Britain, contrasting southern Europe and North Africa.