Italy limited work outdoors, France shut schools and Turkey battled wildfires on Tuesday in a European heatwave that meteorologists said was "exceptional" for striking so early this year.

Weather warnings have been issued across Europe, as a heat dome pushes temperatures above 40C in the south of the continent.

A searing heatwave sweeping Europe has pushed temperatures above 40°C in parts of Italy and Spain, as the world’s fastest-warming continent continues to suffer the effects of the climate emergency. Spain, Portugal, Greece and France have all issued extreme heat, wildfire and health warnings.