Europe heatwave live: Forty people drown in France; Met Office warns UK temperatures could reach 39C

France records hottest ever day as much of Europe endures extreme heat; ‘London is cooking,’ says UN secretary general

Tell us: how is the heatwave in the UK and across Europe affecting you?

Forty drown across France in heatwave and parts of Spain above 30C at night

Italy’s health ministry has declared a red heatwave alert in 15 cities including Milan and Rome on Tuesday and said the number would go up to 16 on Wednesday.

During a red alert – the highest level – the ministry advises people to eat light, stay indoors in the hottest parts of the day and sprinkle themselves with cool water.