Europe Becomes Hotter, Temperatures in China, USA Reached 50 Degrees C

The heat wave that is sweeping Europe and other parts of the world is expected to become harsher over the next two days, with temperatures peaking on Wednesday.

The World Meteorological Organization - a specialized agency of the United Nations - warns that the heat wave affecting the Mediterranean will intensify by the middle of this week (Wednesday, July 19). It is likely to continue until next month in some parts of Europe.

North African countries are also experiencing high temperatures, and China "temporarily" recorded its highest-ever temperature on Sunday of 52.2 degrees Celsius in Xinjiang, according to the British Met Office.

Meanwhile, tens of millions of people in the southwestern United States are also experiencing sweltering heat, with experts noting the length of the heat wave as well as its intensity.

High temperatures were also recorded in the northern regions of the globe, where officials warned of the dangers of staying in hot conditions.