France, Spain, and Britain Record High Temperatures as Heat Alerts Issued

Temperatures reached exceptionally high levels in France, Spain, and Britain on Tuesday, Nbc News reported. France placed more than half of its regions under a red heat alert, the highest level, with Meteo-France assessing the readings as exceptionally high. France recorded its hottest June day on record the day before Tuesday based on average day-and-night calculations.

The temperature in Chateaumeillant reached 43.3C. At least 40 people drowned in France as residents sought relief in bodies of water, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said ahead of an emergency meeting. Hundreds of schools closed across France and other countries in the region.

Several local authorities canceled events tied to the Fête de la Musique. Authorities banned alcohol consumption in several areas under the highest heat alert, including Paris. Spain declared its first official heatwave of the year on Sunday.

Temperatures there were forecast to reach as high as 44C through Wednesday. Officials in Madrid canceled a planned public screening of Spain's World Cup match against Saudi Arabia. Five people died in fatal swimming accidents related to the heatwave in Italy and Germany.

Authorities in those countries issued highest-level alerts for parts of their territories. Britain braced for temperatures that could approach 40C this week, one degree below the all-time national record of 41C. Britain recorded its hottest May day in recorded history several weeks earlier.

Pamela Clapp, a 39-year-old American living in Paris for 14 years, said she was very worried about the next couple of days. She added that this summer feels different from those she has experienced before and that it is baffling schools lack a better solution for the heat.