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.