Europe heatwave brings record temperatures and deaths across multiple countries

A heatwave is forecast to push temperatures in England and Wales to 38C to 40C this week, exceeding the June record of 35.6C set in 1976. Forecasters said high humidity and warm nights would limit overnight recovery. Red alerts have been issued for more than half of France's departments, affecting about 39 million people.

At least 18 people have died since the weekend, including two children found in a hot car and three elderly people near Bordeaux.

UK measures More than 1,350 schools in France have closed because of the heat. A nuclear plant in the southwest near Toulouse switched off a reactor after cooling water from a river became too warm. A French prime minister is scheduled to hold a crisis meeting on Tuesday. Italy issued red alerts for 12 cities on Monday.

impacts Spain recorded temperatures 5C to 10C above normal, with some northern areas more than 10C above average. San Sebastian is forecast to reach 40C. Germany reported five fatal swimming accidents over the weekend. Belgium's meteorological institute said temperatures could be the hottest ever recorded there.