Punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Paris and to stay unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands. In contrast, temperatures were falling in Portugal, where no red heat warnings were issued.

Europe is enduring its first major heatwave of the summer, with health warnings issued across the continent as scorching temperatures continue to grip several nations. While conditions are beginning to improve in some regions, France remains particularly affected, bracing for extreme heat.

Paris extended a red alert for high temperatures on Tuesday, with the top of the Eiffel Tower shut, polluting traffic banned and speed restrictions in place as a searing heat wave grips Europe.