The Eiffel Tower closed early on Tuesday and will remain closed on Wednesday as a sweltering heat wave grips parts of Europe.

The worst heat was felt in southern Europe, while punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Paris and remain unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands.

The heat wave that has blanketed much of Europe is expected to linger over the continent this week, driving up temperatures and offering little reprieve.