France has seen temperatures touch 40C across nearly half the country since the current heatwave began, while the United Kingdom has recorded its hottest June day on record, as an intense spell of extreme weather grips large parts of Europe and prompts fresh warnings about the growing risks posed by climate change.

Europe faces record-breaking heatwave as temperatures soar past 40C, forcing school closures, travel disruption and urgent health warnings across the continent.

France recorded its hottest day ever as an early heat wave gripped Europe. The high temperatures on Tuesday prompted the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum to restrict visiting…