There's a stark contrast in conditions across Europe this week. Summer has arrived early around the Mediterranean while polar air cools Western and Central Europe.

In southern Spain, as well as from Sardinia through Greece to Turkey, the sun is shining with temperatures of 20 to 27 degrees.

Further north, the situation is quite different: from London and Paris to Berlin and Milan, temperatures are only reaching 10 to 15 degrees. On top of that, showers and thunderstorms are sweeping through with strong winds blowing at times.

In the Alps, the weather retains a wintry touch, with frost at night and snow on the mountains. Another spell of snow is expected there at the weekend. In contrast, sweltering temperatures of up to 40 degrees are already forecast for Egypt and the Red Sea region.