Millions across Europe grappled with record summer heat Tuesday, with temperatures in some areas soaring past 40°C (104°F).

In France, the national weather service placed much of the south on its highest heat alert for a second consecutive day, with 40°C expected again.

The heat is forecast to spread north and reach the Paris region, Météo France said.

Authorities in several municipalities offered free or discounted entry to public swimming pools.

Most central and southern regions were under high forest fire risk monitoring, after a deadly blaze last week in the Aude region.

A blistering heatwave continues to grip Madrid as extreme temperatures are tipped to continue until Monday.

Tourists and locals tried to stay cool in the 37°C (98.6°F) weather on Tuesday with a variety of methods - from umbrellas and fans to ice creams.

The Spanish Weather Forecast Agency AEMET warned that the extreme temperatures across Spain are now expected to continue until Monday, however temperatures will lower slightly in the next few days to only rise significantly.

Portugal is facing another heatwave while the country is battling a series of wildfires.

On Tuesday, temperatures were expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in some inland areas, while in Lisbon, the Portuguese capital close to the Atlantic, temperatures are forecast to reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).