Temperatures approached 40C across Europe as France closed hundreds of schools and canceled trains

A high-pressure system from the Sahara is creating a prolonged heat dome over Europe. About one-third of France is under the highest heat alert, around 845 schools were ordered to close, some French trains were canceled, and high-risk groups such as older people were advised to delay travel. Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK also issued heat or health alerts, with extreme temperatures expected to last for days.