Europe braces for prolonged heatwave as temperatures approach 40C

Authorities accross Europe have warned of temperatures exceeding 39 and 40 degrees Celsius as a 'heat dome' sets in.

France banned alcohol in red-alert areas Sunday, Spain and Germany cancelled or postponed sports events and Britain warned of "tropical nights" as Europe sweltered through a heatwave threatening to break June temperature records.

The spike in temperatures is being driven by a mass of hot air moving north from the Sahara, fuelled by a strong high-pressure system known as the ‘African anticyclone’

The country has also canceled some outdoor sports events, and restricted alcohol availability at a major nationwide music festival on Sunday, over fears people could become dehydrated by drinking beer to stay cool, instead of more appropriate beverages.