The heatwave spread to other parts of western Europe on Wednesday, with a rare red heat alert extended in parts of the UK.

The UK saw its hottest June day on record in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday afternoon after temperatures soared to 36.1C (97F). Temperatures could hit 38C on Thursday, forecasters say.

Spain also experienced baking heat over the last few days, with its weather agency reporting that the daily average temperature on Monday was 28.08C and 28.17C on Tuesday – the highest ever recorded for June.

Red heat alerts remain in place for parts of northern Spain, with a maximum temperature of 42C possible in parts of the Basque country, forecaster Aemet said.

In Italy, there are 16 red alerts in place, mostly northern and central parts of the country.