Europe, US melt under heat wave as Greenland sees massive ice melt

As the temperature climbed and climbed to record highs in multiple countries, people converged on any body of water they could find. (AP)

In Paris, the fountains beneath Trocadero plaza across from the Eiffel Tower became the city's new nucleus. (AP)

Paris and London and many parts of Europe are bracing for record temperatures as the second heat wave this summer bakes the continent. (AP)

The recent record-busting heat wave has given way to thunderstorms and hailstorms across many parts of Europe. (AP)

The heat is putting pressure on authorities to help protect the elderly and the sick. Air conditioning is not common at homes, offices, schools or hospitals in European cities. (AP)

The heat wave that smashed high temperature records in five European countries a week ago is now over Greenland, accelerating the melting of the island's ice sheet and causing massive ice loss in the Arctic. (AP)

The heat wave will end in a few days. On the weekend, temperatures are expected to fall. However, quite often end of a heat wave brings storms, including lightning and heavy flooding. (AP)