Spain records highs of 46C and France under alert as Europe swelters in heatwave

Extreme heat ‘the new normal’, says UN chief, as authorities across the continent issue health warnings

People cool off in a fountain in Seville as a heatwave hits Spain. Picture: CRISTINA QUICLER/AFP via Getty Images

A vicious heatwave has engulfed southern Europe, with punishing temperatures that have reached highs of 46C in Spain and placed almost the entirety of mainland France under alert.

Extreme heat, made stronger by fossil fuel pollution, has for several days scorched Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece as southern Europe endures its first major heatwave of the summer.