Europe heatwave live: UK temperatures forecast to reach 38C; French PM to hold crisis meeting after heat deaths

Temperatures could smash June record in England and Wales set in 1976; red alerts in France after 19 heat deaths

Two children found dead in car in France as heatwave hits Europe

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.