Europe scorched by 40°C heatwave as France reports deaths and Spain issues red alerts (opens original article in a new tab)

Europe experiences extreme heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C, causing deaths, school closures, and wildlife distress, as France and Spain issue severe weather warnings.

• France reports three heat-related deaths and 2,700 schools close or modify schedules
• Spain issues red alert for Basque country with temperatures near 40C
• Europe's average high temperature 4.1C above 1961-1990 norm