Paris, June 23 -- Millions of people across France and Italy are enduring an intense heatwave as temperatures climb toward record levels, prompting health alerts, service disruptions and renewed concerns about the impact of climate change.

France's national weather , Meteo France, has placed dozens of departments under its highest-level heat alert, warning that exceptionally high temperatures will persist both day and night. Authorities said many areas are expected to record temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, with some locations potentially breaking historical records.

The extreme heat has affected daily life across the country, disrupting transportation services, school activities and outdoor events. Officials have also reported mu...