Europe heatwave live: UK issues rare red temperature warnings; French PM to hold crisis meeting after heat deaths

With temperatures forecast to reach 38-40C in parts of England and Wales, Britain’s national weather forecaster issued a rare red weather warning covering an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday. These were reserved for the most severe events, the Met Office said, meaning this heatwave was expected to bring “severe and significant impacts” including widespread health risks for many – not just those who were normally more vulnerable to the heat – and even danger to life. The alert also warned that “substantial changes” in working practices and daily routines would be required, and indicated a high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, bringing the loss of power and other essential services, such as water, electricity, gas or mobile phone services, PA Media reports. An amber weather warning is also in place for a larger area of England and Wales between Monday and Thursday. A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place until 9pm on Monday, covering an area stretching between Bristol and Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire .