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Record breaking heat sweeps across Europe

A man cools down in a water spray in Paris. Getty Images

Tourists and residents had to find ways to cool down in Paris

Whilst the UK grapples with a June heatwave, many cities across Europe have also been experiencing extreme heat, with France recording its hottest day ever.

The temperature in the country's capital city Paris, reached 41C, as the world famous Eiffel Tower closed early.

Many people have been without power across western Europe and forest fires have broken out in central France.

One French politician Jean-Pierre Farandou said the nation is "in the process of finding out we've become a hot country" and warned society may need to adapt.

Map of France and northern Spain showing high temperatures recorded in selected cities on Wednesday 24 June 2026. Labels indicate Paris 39.6°C, La Rochelle 41.3°C, Bordeaux 42°C, Bilbao 42.5°C, and Santander 38.5°C. Source: BBC Weather.

In some parts of Spain and Italy, there are red weather warnings in place, with the Basque area of Northern Spain possibly reaching a high temperature of 42C.

Spain's weather agency reported that the country's daily average temperature was 28.17C on Tuesday - the highest ever recorded for June.

Temperatures are expected to rise in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium nearer the weekend.

German newspaper Die Welt reports that authorities in some areas of Germany have asked people to use water sparingly and not to use barbecues.

A pharmacy sign in Venice shows the temperature is 34CGetty Images

Temperatures in the Italian city of Venice reached the mid to high 30s.

The UK saw its hottest June day on record in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon after temperatures soared to 36.1C (97F). Forecasters say it could hit 38C on Thursday.

A girl cools down in a fountain in the NetherlandsGetty Images

A girl cools down in a fountain in the Netherlands.