Europe is experiencing an intense and widespread heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record or near-record levels across multiple countries, with authorities issuing widespread emergency warnings. Italy’s health ministry has placed 16 cities, including Milan and Rome, under a red alert for extreme heat on Wednesday, while the United Kingdom is preparing for temperatures that could reach up to 40C in parts of England and Wales, alongside a rare red warning stretching from London to Wales and central England.

The heat surge around summer solstice, typically the start of the three hottest months of the year, raised concerns that extreme conditions may persist this year.

The severe heatwave prompted nationwide warnings, alcohol bans, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots.

The severe heatwave prompted nationwide warnings, alcohol bans, transport disruption and signs of strain on wildlife and at tourist hotspots.

After several days of temperatures above 35C, Italian authorities issued a red alert for June 21 in eight cities

European countries are taking several measures as a deadly heatwave grips the continent

Historic heatwaves sweep Europe, shattering records from Iberia to Balkans-

Travellers should be aware that high-level bulletins have been issued across France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Luxembourg and the UK.

Europe is battling a severe heatwave with France issuing its highest alert across over half the nation and the UK bracing for temperatures nearing 40C. Schools have closed, and…

Several European countries issued red weather alerts as a fresh bout of extreme heat pushed temperatures beyond 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

Europe is facing one of its most intense heat waves in recent years, with temperatures climbing above 40°C in several countries and little immediate relief expected.…

Temperatures expected to hit 40C in parts of the UK, as extreme heatwave spreads slowly eastwards, sparking warnings in Italy and the Netherlands

People in large parts of the U.K. are being warned that high temperatures present a risk to life as a “heat-dome” over Western Europe brings extreme conditions to the continent.

Italy's Ministry of Health declares red heatwave alert in 16 cities, including Milan and Rome, as schools close in UK.

Italy declares red heatwave alert in 16 cities, including Rome, as UK prepares for highest ever June temperatures.

Numerous red alerts have been issued in preparation for 40°C temperatures across Europe

Extreme weather is getting worse as climate change speeds up.

Europe is experiencing an intense and widespread heatwave that has pushed temperatures to record or near-record levels across multiple countries, with authorities issuing…

Britain and much of Europe are sweltering in a record-breaking June heatwave.

UK June heat record could be broken for the second consecutive day

First time red warnings issued in UK for three consecutive days; Paris to ban drinking alcohol in public as hospitals reach ‘saturation point’