A European heatwave triggered red alerts in France and extreme warnings in Spain, with forecasters expecting temperatures to reach 44°C in parts of the region.
France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Germany are bracing for one of the hottest June spells on record, according to weather agencies.
French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu called an urgent crisis meeting after authorities activated red and amber heat alerts across 80 departments.
Officials said the alerts affected 53.5 million people, or about three-quarters of France’s population.
France, Spain and the UK issue warnings
France banned alcohol at state-organised events in 35 red-alert departments to reduce heat-related risks. Local authorities also cancelled the Fête De La Musique event.
Forecasters expect temperatures in France to reach 37°C to 42°C on Monday, June 22. Officials warned that the heat could break mainland France’s June records.
Spain’s meteorological agency, AEMET, issued red and orange alerts for Monday and Tuesday. It forecast highs of 40°C to 42°C in the Tagus, Guadiana and Guadalquivir valleys.
The United Kingdom also faced extreme heat. The Met Office issued an amber warning for east Wales and large parts of the Midlands for Monday and Tuesday.
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UK forecasters warned of “tropical night” conditions, with temperatures not expected to fall below 20°C. They said the country had a 40% chance of passing its June record of 35.6°C, set in 1957 and 1976.
Scientists said Europe’s intensifying heatwaves are increasing the risk of health emergencies and economic disruption.
