The heatwave, which began earlier this week, has led to train cancellations, school closures and alcohol bans in parts of France. On Monday, 845 schools will be closed, according to the government, Franceinfo reports.
The French weather agency is warning of temperatures reaching 43 degrees Celsius in some places on Monday. In Paris, it is expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius - a heat record for the capital in June since measurements began. Cooling systems with water vapor have been installed around the city, reports ABC News.
The heatwave coincides with an annual music festival held in the country, and alcohol consumption is banned in areas under red alert. The aim is to protect healthcare and emergency services so they can focus on the most vulnerable, according to the French government.
Heat is moving in over the British Isles
In the UK, the Met Office has issued a heat warning for Wales and southern and central England. The warning has been extended until Thursday as the heat over France is forecast to move northwest, adding to the already high temperatures in the UK.
British authorities are warning the population of increased health risks, disruption to everyday life and damage to infrastructure.
In Spain, forecasts point to 44 degrees on Wednesday, making it the hottest June day since measurements began in 1950. The authorities are warning in particular that outdoor activities can be risky, especially for the elderly and other vulnerable groups.
Cool off in fountains
Italy also expanded its heat warnings on Sunday, from seven to eight cities in the northern and central parts of the country. Temperatures are expected to exceed 30 degrees Celsius but could reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius.
At a farm outside Milan, fans and sprinklers were set up to keep cows cool, the AP reports. In Rome, tourists tried to cool their arms and faces in the city's famous fountains.
Germany and Belgium are also affected by the heat, with several areas under heat warnings.
More than 200,000 people in Europe have died from heat-related causes in the past four years, and most of those deaths could have been avoided, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
