A record-breaking heatwave sweeping across Western Europe has left tens of thousands of households without electricity in France, triggered rare emergency warnings across multiple countries, and disrupted transport, education and daily life as temperatures continue to climb across the continent.
France recorded its highest national temperature indicator since records began in 1947, reaching 29.8C on Tuesday, while forecasters warned that temperatures could rise as high as 43C in parts of the southwest.
The extreme weather has spread across much of Europe, with authorities issuing heat alerts from the United Kingdom to Italy and warning that Eastern Europe will face similar conditions in the coming days.
The heatwave caused a major power outage in France after a heat-related transformer incident left about 68,000 households in Finistere without electricity.
At one point, more than 100,000 customers across the French power network were affected as soaring temperatures strained infrastructure.
More than half of France remained under red heat alerts on Wednesday, with an additional 31 regions under orange warnings.
Authorities said at least 48 people have died in heatwave-related drowning incidents as many sought relief from the intense temperatures.
The heat also forced adjustments to public services and attractions, with the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower reducing operating hours.
Officials warned of heightened wildfire risks, while firefighters battled a major forest fire in western France.
In the United Kingdom, a rare red heat health alert was issued for parts of England and Wales, with temperatures forecast to approach 39C.
Some schools closed, train services were cancelled and Eurostar suspended several trains between London and Paris because of expected weather-related disruption.
Italy's Ministry of Health placed 16 cities, including Rome and Milan, under red heatwave alerts as health risks increased.
Spain, which recorded its highest average June temperatures on record, began seeing some relief, although parts of the north remained under red alerts.
The Netherlands and Belgium activated severe heat warnings, with temperatures expected to reach up to 39C in the coming days.
Germany prepared for temperatures near 40C while authorities warned of drought conditions, wildfire risks and water shortages in some regions.
Forecasters said the heatwave will spread further east, prompting high-level warnings in Poland, Croatia and Hungary.
Although temperatures are expected to ease later this week in parts of Western Europe, meteorological agencies warned that thunderstorms, flash flooding and large hail could accompany the cooling trend.