France, July 2 -- Farmers across Europe are facing crop losses and rising costs after a fierce heatwave dried out fields and pushed irrigation to its limits.

In France, fieldwork has been banned during the hottest hours to protect workers and cut fire risks. Farm operations were halted as temperatures soared past 39C in parts of the country.

Spain and Portugal recorded some of their highest June temperatures ever, with El Granado hitting 46C and Mora reaching 46.6C. Italy placed 21 cities, including Rome and Milan, on red alert as heat topped 38C.

Wildfire warnings remain in place in southern France, Spain and Greece.

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