Record breaking heat sweeps across Europe

While the UK grapples with a June heatwave, many cities across Europe have also been experiencing extreme heat, with France recording its hottest day ever.

The temperature in the country's capital city Paris, reached 41C, as the world famous Eiffel Tower closed early.

Many people have been without power across western Europe and forest fires have broken out in central France.

One French politician Jean-Pierre Farandou said the nation is "in the process of finding out we've become a hot country" and warned society may need to adapt.

In some parts of Spain and Italy, there are red weather warnings in place, with the Basque area of Northern Spain possibly reaching a high temperature of 42C.

Spain's weather agency reported that the country's daily average temperature was 28.17C on Tuesday - the highest ever recorded for June.

Temperatures are expected to rise in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium nearer the weekend.

German newspaper Die Welt reports that authorities in some areas of Germany have asked people to use water sparingly and not to use barbecues.

The UK saw its hottest June day on record in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon after temperatures soared to 36.1C (97F). Forecasters say it could hit 38C on Thursday.

Meanwhile, children living in the French capital have told Newsround how they have been coping with the heat.

One pupil told us that she has seen people swimming in the River Seine or in fountains.

"I am taking ice cold showers every night and sleeping on the sofa instead of my room".

Many children told us school life has been affected too.

One boy said he is not allowed to go outside during break or lunch times at school due to the high temperatures.

"Our summer fair has sadly been cancelled because we can't be outside."