France heatwave claims 18 lives, breaks temperature records
At least 18 people, including two children, have died in France as a heatwave over Europe pushed temperatures to record highs in several cities on Monday.
The temperature in Bordeaux soared to 41.9 degrees Celsius (107.4 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking last August's record, while Poitiers saw temperatures reaching 41.2 degrees Celsius, surpassing a previous high set in 1947.
As schools in France remained shut or ran with modified timetables, weather forecasters in Britain predicted temperatures could beat records for June this week.
Two children, aged 2 and 4 years, died in their family car, which had become extremely hot under the heatwave conditions in southeast France. First responders could not revive them after they were found unconscious in the vehicle.
