A severe heatwave has gripped Europe with record-breaking temperatures, leaving at least 18 people dead in France due to heat-related illnesses and drownings. As the thermometer topped 41.9 degrees Celsius in Bordeaux, French authorities banned public alcohol consumption at nationwide events to ease the burden on overwhelmed emergency health services. Meanwhile, the UK expects its hottest day of the year with temperatures potentially exceeding 39 degrees Celsius, threatening to completely shatter previous June records. Across the continent, Italy has issued red alerts for 12 cities facing power outages from surging electricity demand, while Spain and Belgium brace for dangerously high temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees.