PARIS — Southern and central Europe faced the most intense day of a relentless heatwave on Tuesday, with meteorological agencies in France, Spain and Italy forecasting temperatures approaching or exceeding 44C in the worst-affected regions. National weather services extended red and orange alerts across dozens of departments and provinces.

Météo-France placed multiple departments under red alert and maintained restrictions including alcohol bans in the most severely affected zones. Spain's state meteorological office, AEMET, warned of extreme readings across Andalusia and the Guadalquivir valley, while Italy's health ministry flagged red heat warnings for several major cities including Rome and Florence.

Authorities reported strain on emergency services and transport networks, with rail operators imposing speed limits to guard against buckling tracks and several outdoor events cancelled. Civil protection agencies in Spain and France warned of elevated wildfire risk as vegetation dried out.

Hospitals reported increased admissions for heat-related illness, according to regional health officials. The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service has repeatedly noted that such early-summer extremes are becoming more frequent and severe as global temperatures rise.

Public health agencies urged residents to avoid midday exposure, check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, and stay hydrated. "This episode is exceptional for its intensity and its early timing," a Météo-France spokesperson said, adding that some relief was expected in the north later in the week while the south remained under threat.