Europe is enduring an unprecedented June heatwave, with temperatures reaching as high as 43.8°C and several countries breaking national records. The extreme weather has forced authorities to issue red alerts, restrict public activities, deploy cooling centers, limit alcohol sales and warn of worsening health risks.France, Spain and the UK Break Temperature RecordsFrance has been among the worst-hit countries. On June 24, it recorded its hottest day on record, with an average national temperature of 30.0°C, surpassing previous records set in July 2019 and August 2003, according to Météo-France. Temperatures peaked at 43.8°C in the western town of Pulluau, while overnight temperatures also set a new national record.A record 58 French departments were placed under the highest-level red alert as officials warned of an elevated risk of forest fires amid worsening drought conditions. Forty people reportedly died in drowning accidents during the intense heat, UN News reported.Spain also recorded its hottest June days on record on June 23 and 24, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in several locations. In the UK, the Met Office issued a red extreme heat warning and reported a provisional June record of 36.1°C at Gosport in southern England. Germany issued widespread red alerts, including for Bonn, Frankfurt and Cologne, while Swiss cities such as Geneva, Basel and Zurich were also placed under red alert.WMO Warns of More Extreme HeatAlso read: Heatwave Linked To 212 Deaths In Spain: How Does Heat Impact Health?According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the heatwave is expected to spread across Western, Central and Southern Europe over the next two weeks. The agency said temperatures are forecast to remain between 3°C and 10°C above average, with daily highs exceeding 35°C across many areas and locally crossing 40°C.The WMO also warned of more frequent "tropical nights," when temperatures remain above 20°C overnight, preventing the body from recovering from daytime heat. Hospitals Under Pressure, Paris Restricts Alcohol SalesThe worsening conditions have disrupted healthcare services, with media reports saying hospitals have had to postpone critical imaging scans after sensitive equipment overheated. Cities have also opened emergency cooling centers to protect vulnerable residents.In Paris, authorities have announced temporary bans on public alcohol consumption and takeaway alcohol sales to ease pressure on hospitals. Public drinking will be prohibited from noon to 7 a.m. over the weekend, while takeaway alcohol sales will be banned between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. Licensed bars and restaurants are exempt.French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said the country's highest health alert level had been activated to boost hospital staffing and protect vulnerable people."We are reaching a saturation point in hospital facilities," said Paris police chief Patrice Faure, while speaking to local media. Faure has also asked organizers of the Pride march and the Solidays music festival to cancel their events because of the continuing heatwave.Read More: UK Met Office Warns of 'Pollen Bomb': What Hay Fever Patients Need to KnowFormula 1 Declares Heat HazardThe extreme temperatures have also reached the sporting world. Formula 1's governing body, the FIA, has declared another "heat hazard" ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend at Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, triggering additional measures to protect drivers, teams and spectators."Europe's savage heatwave has the fingerprints of the climate crisis all over it", said United Nations climate chief Simon Stiell. He has called for "a faster shift to renewables, protecting forests and boosting climate resilience".