Barely into September, and monthly temperature records have already fallen in parts of Spain, southern France, and Italy, with several stations logging readings more typical of mid-July.

The culprit is a stubborn ridge of high pressure parked over the western Mediterranean, funnelling Saharan air northward. Forecasters expect it to hold for at least another week.

For travellers, the practical upshot: shoulder-season southern Europe is running about five degrees above normal, so pack accordingly.