A swath of western and central Europe is sweating under blazing temperatures, with authorities in one German region imposing temporary speed limits on some stretches of the autobahn as a precaution against heat damage.

Authorities have warned that temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some parts of the continent over the coming days. The transport ministry in Germany's eastern Saxony-Anhalt state said Wednesday it has imposed speed limits of 100 kph or 120 kph (62 mph or 75 mph) on several short stretches of highway until further notice. Those stretches usually have no speed limit.

On Tuesday evening, German railway operator Deutsche Bahn called rescue services to Duesseldorf Airport station as a precaution because two trains' air conditioning systems weren't working properly, but neither had to be evacuated.

Young people enjoy the evening on lake Walensee, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in Walenstadt, Switzerland. The country was hit by a heatwave with temperatures up to 39 degrees celsius. (Gian EhrenzellerKeystone via AP)

Young people enjoy the evening on lake Walensee, on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, in Walenstadt, Switzerland. The country was hit by a heatwave with temperatures up to 39 degrees celsius. (Gian EhrenzellerKeystone via AP)

 People cool off in the fountain of the Trocadero, in Paris, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Authorities warned that temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some parts of Europe over the coming days, the effect of hot air moving northward from Africa. French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said more than half of France is on alert for high temperatures Tuesday and the hot weather is expected to last until the end of the week. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)

People cool off in the fountain of the Trocadero, in Paris, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Authorities warned that temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some parts of Europe over the coming days, the effect of hot air moving northward from Africa. French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said more than half of France is on alert for high temperatures Tuesday and the hot weather is expected to last until the end of the week. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)
People cool off in the fountain of the Trocadero, as the Eiffel Tower is visible in background, in Paris, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Authorities warned that temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some parts of Europe over the coming days, the effect of hot air moving northward from Africa. French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said more than half of France is on alert for high temperatures Tuesday and the hot weather is expected to last until the end of the week. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)

People cool off in the fountain of the Trocadero, as the Eiffel Tower is visible in background, in Paris, Tuesday, June 25, 2019. Authorities warned that temperatures could top 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in some parts of Europe over the coming days, the effect of hot air moving northward from Africa. French Health Minister Agnes Buzyn said more than half of France is on alert for high temperatures Tuesday and the hot weather is expected to last until the end of the week. (AP PhotoAlessandra Tarantino)

 People cool off in a fountain during a hot summer day, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Tuesday, June, 25, 2019. Hot air from Africa is bringing a heat wave to Europe, prompting health warnings about Sahara Desert dust and exceptionally high temperatures in Spain. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)

People cool off in a fountain during a hot summer day, in Pamplona, northern Spain, Tuesday, June, 25, 2019. Hot air from Africa is bringing a heat wave to Europe, prompting health warnings about Sahara Desert dust and exceptionally high temperatures in Spain. (AP PhotoAlvaro Barrientos)