Punishing temperatures extended to the United Kingdom and Spain, where weather agencies issued red alerts — like France — about the risks of extreme heat for tens of millions of people.

Millions in France are enduring extreme heat, with temperatures soaring and 40 drowning deaths reported since June 18.

The first few days of summer, which began Sunday, will feature high heat and potent thunderstorms across large swaths of the country, forecasters say.

The heat wave has pushed temperatures past 104 degrees and forced early closures at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre. Forty people seeking relief from the heat have drowned in the last week.

A deadly heat wave is melting records across Western Europe, and it's predicted to get worse as brutal new highs hit the region. Chris Livesay reports from Paris, which once again hit triple digits on Wednesday.

A deadly heat wave is breaking records across Europe, with the UK hitting 96 degrees. In France, the Eiffel Tower and Louvre closed early due to the extreme heat.

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A National Weather Service heat advisory will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday for communities in the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley and Santa Clarita Valley.