Temperature records smashed as extreme heat wave grips Europe

Paris, along with much of the rest of Europe, is scorching as a heat wave grips the continent breaking records in the U.K., France and Spain.

PARIS — Paris, along with much of the rest of Europe, is scorching.

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Gripped by a record heat wave that has killed dozens of people, closed schools and knocked out power for thousands, the French capital has enforced early closures of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre museum.

Temperature records across the continent have tumbled, with France experiencing its hottest day ever, Spain reaching its highest daily average since 1950 and the United Kingdom experiencing record heat for June. Extreme heat warnings were also in place in Germany, Poland and the Balkans.