Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA deadly heatwave is gripping Europe, with temperatures forecast to exceed 40C, making it the hottest weather of the year so far. European countries are implementing precautions, including restricting public drinking, cancelling transport and events, and are preparing to close schools. Three elderly people, aged between 80 and 95, died over the weekend in France due to health issues caused by the heatwave, local government official Sophie Brocas told France TV on Sunday.The World Health Organisation’s Europe office has said that more than 200,000 people have died across the continent from heat-related causes over the last four years.The UK Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat, while the Spanish state weather agency, Aemet, has issued a red weather alert for the Basque country. In fullEurope heatwave mapped: France bans alcohol and Spain cancels sporting events as temperatures soar to 40CThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in