It's a long story."For some, the heat has been deadly.French government spokesperson Maud Bregeon has highlighted reports of at least seven deaths potentially related to high temperatures, including five drownings and two deaths in sports competitions.The Italian Health Ministry has placed 15 cities under an 'orange' alert, while the UK Health Security Agency has also issued an amber health alert for large parts of the country, warning of health risks, particularly among older people.Across the UK, the conditions have helped fuel wildfires, including at Arthur's Seat, which towers over Edinburgh.Monday was the hottest May day ever recorded in Britain - until Tuesday when the mercury passed 35.Some have accordingly taken matters into their own hands.Simon Griffiths is the founder and publisher of the Outdoor Swimmer magazine, and is leading a group taking advantage of a newly designated bathing area in the Thames Some people are just getting in and floating around and enjoying the water."Climate experts say these sorts of scorching spring days will become more common in years to come, something that poses a huge challenge for governments.That is because cities like London simply aren't designed to deal with this sort of heat on a regular basis.These residents say homes are designed for a climate that no longer exists.WOMAN: "It's quite unbearable