'Lucifer' heatwave warning to British tourists holidaying in Europe

British tourists have been warned of a "dangerous" heatwave bringing temperatures of up to 47C across Europe.

The hot weather - which is travelling from Africa across the Mediterranean - has led 26 European cities to issue weather warnings to residents and tourists.

Temperatures as high as 47C (116.6F) have been registered in Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Croatia and other parts of Europe.

Eleven countries have declared "dangerous" weather conditions including Serbia, Hungary, Romania, Croatia and Poland.

The scorching heat - dubbed 'Lucifer' in Italy - has led to the highest level of heat risk, called a 'red alarm', to be issued across its popular cities Florence, Rome, Venice and Verona.

A red alarm has also been raised in 12 counties across Romania, where unusually high temperatures of up to 42C (107.6F) are to blame for at least one death.

In Mallorca - which has also seen highs of 42C - authorities are investigating whether a 17-year-old working in the machine room of a hotel swimming pool in the Cala d'Or resort died as a result of heatstroke.

British holidaymakers are being warned to take care and are advised to seek the shade and stay out of the sun while seeing the sights.

Tourists have also been advised to avoid long journeys and drink plenty of fluids during the heatwave, which is expected to last until Wednesday.

Meanwhile, in London, temperatures are forecast to be around 20C (68F) over the weekend, with a mix of sunshine and showers.

No UK extreme weather warnings are expected.