The worst heat was felt in southern Europe, while punishing temperatures were forecast to reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Paris and remain unusually high in Belgium and the Netherlands.

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.

A deadly wildfire has broken out in Spain and the top of the Eiffel Tower has been closed in Pairs – which was placed on red alert on Tuesday – as southern Europe swelters through a brutal heatwave.