Italy limited work outdoors, France shut schools and Turkey battled wildfires on Tuesday in a European heatwave that meteorologists said was "exceptional" for striking so early this year. Spain confirmed its hottest June on record,

At least five deaths have been reported as Europe swelters in a heatwave that has put municipal and health officials in several countries on alert. Two men died on the beaches of the Italian Mediterranean island of Sardinia on Wednesday due to heat-induced illness.