Spain and southern France hit by second extreme heat event of year

Experts say heatwaves happening earlier and more often as temperatures hit highs not normally recorded until July or August

A woman fans herself in Madrid, Spain. (AP Photo/Paul White)

A second extreme heat event of the year is searing Spain and southern France, with temperatures hitting highs not normally recorded until July or August and experts warning summer heatwaves are happening earlier and more often.

The French state forecaster, Météo France, said temperatures had already exceeded 35C close to the Mediterranean and would rise further from midweek as the hot air mass moved northwards, with parts of the south-west and Rhone valley reaching 39C.