France makes alcohol decision as Europe swelters in heatwave – could hit 41C

France has announced a partial alcohol ban as an intensifying heatwave brings scorching temperatures to much of Europe. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu has banned alcohol consumption at state-organised events due to be held on Sunday in regions placed under red heatwave alerts. Paris is among the areas affected by the move which came after Mr Lecornu called a crisis meeting with 14 of his ministers. Fete de la Musique festivals are due to take place across France on Sunday, however several local authorities have already reportedly cancelled the popular annual celebrations with temperatures set to rise.

Thirty-five regions — stretching from the south-west up to Burgundy — have been placed under red heat warnings for tomorrow, with the mercury forecast to soar to between 39C and 40C. Some areas could even reach 41C, the Reuters news agency reports. Almost all of Germany is under a heat warning, with temperatures nearing a sizzling 38C.

Monday and Tuesday are set to be the hottest days in Spain, with a number of weather alerts in place.

The Spanish Met Office, AEMET, warns temperatures could climb as high as 44C in some areas on Tuesday.

Monday could see average temperatures across mainland France reaching their hottest on record, according to Sky News.

Areas of Britain are also experiencing hotter conditions.

An amber Met Office warning is in place on Monday and Tuesday for London, the east and south-east of England, and parts of the south-west of England and Wales.

Areas in southern and eastern England are likely to meet the heatwave threshold during the weekend, and there is a 40% chance of exceeding the highest-ever temperature for June, which is 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976, the Met Office said.

Saturday was expected to have highs of 28C, before temperatures climb again from Sunday.

Some areas in the south and south-east of England are forecast to reach 32C on that day and then push up or above 34C on Monday.

They are again likely to reach the mid-30s on Tuesday.