
An extreme heat wave has swept across much of Europe, bringing temperatures of up to 40 degrees, national warnings, and transport problems.
The significant increase in temperatures on June 21, the day of the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere and which usually marks the start of the three hottest months of the year, has raised concerns about an early and prolonged onset of extreme weather conditions.
After several days of temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius, Italian authorities issued a red alert in 8 cities, including Bologna, Milan, Florence and Turin.
48 of France's 96 regions are also under red alert as the country braces for scorching temperatures. Temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius are expected across western France, with Wednesday's forecast to hit 43 degrees in Bordeaux.
Some 845 schools have been closed, while 1,800 students will be allowed to finish school early. Dozens of other regions are under orange alert, with nearly 63 million people affected in total across the country.
The intense heat over the weekend led authorities to ban alcohol at the annual music festival. In the southwestern region of Gironde, local authorities said on Sunday that three elderly people had died, partly due to the extreme heat.
The country's rail operator, SNCF, urged citizens to avoid or postpone train travel this week, while in Paris many lines reduced services. Also in Belgium, the rail operator announced cancellations of peak-hour services.
Spain is also expected to record record temperatures.