Authorities across Europe issued fresh health warnings on Wednesday as an intense heat wave pushed temperatures to dangerous levels from Britain to Italy, with forecasters warning that conditions could worsen in the coming days.
Large parts of the United Kingdom were placed under a rare "red heat health" alert, only the second such warning ever issued by British authorities. The alert covers much of central and southern England and Wales and warns that the extreme temperatures pose a risk to life.
The UK Met Office forecast temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in southern England, which could make it the hottest June day on record. Temperatures had already reached 34.6 degrees Celsius in Wisley, southwest of London, on Tuesday.
"Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we're expecting severe and significant impacts from this heat wave," said Mark Sidaway, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office.
The extreme weather, driven by a "heat dome" over Western Europe, has disrupted daily life across the continent.
In Britain, some schools were closed and numerous train services were canceled, with passengers advised to avoid nonessential travel. Network Rail warned of significant disruptions due to the risk of heat-related damage to railway infrastructure, including buckled tracks and sagging overhead wires.
Eurostar also canceled four train services between London and Paris scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday because of the expected extreme weather.
France recorded its hottest day on record on Tuesday, prompting authorities to limit visiting hours at major tourist attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Schools and public transport services were also disrupted.
The country's national thermal indicator, based on temperatures recorded at 30 weather stations, reached a record 29.8 degrees Celsius.
In Italy, the Health Ministry issued its highest-level "red alert" for 16 cities, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Turin, warning that the heat could affect even healthy adults.
Temperatures in Florence were forecast to reach 41 degrees Celsius (105.8 degrees Fahrenheit), while Milan could see highs of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit).
The prolonged heat has also affected Italy's fashion industry, with designers and guests at Milan's menswear shows resorting to hand-held fans, misters and umbrellas to cope with the soaring temperatures. One fashion show had to change venues at short notice because of an air-conditioning failure.
Spain and other parts of southern Europe also remained under heat warnings as temperatures continued to rise.
Britain's heat advisory is expected to remain in effect through Thursday, with unusually warm overnight temperatures offering little relief.
"If you think it's hot already, well, we ain't seen nothing yet," Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said.