Italy limited work outdoors, France shut schools and Turkey battled wildfires on Tuesday in a European heatwave that meteorologists said was "exceptional" for striking so early this year.

A punishing heatwave has gripped southern Europe, prompting authorities to issue health and wildfire warnings as temperatures are expected to soar again.

Fires have broken out in several locations across Italy, with the most critical areas around Caserta and Naples. While in France, wildfires are burning in the Corbieres region of Aude in the south of the country.