Record-breaking heatwave hits France, with temperatures expected to peak at 40-42 degrees Celsius in the Rhone valley region. Forest fires and heat warnings in place.
Europe is experiencing heat waves at a rate that is more frequent and more intense than in many other parts of the world, and numerous homes are not equipped with air-conditioning
The airliners are resorting to lighter aircraft for operations and adjusting their schedules to allow planes to take off earlier or later in the day to avoid warmer hours