From cold spots to chalk on windows – how Europeans are beating the heat.

By Sarah Ransford, Rom

Even for sun-loving Italy, the current temperatures in June are extreme.

The list of cities under red alert is long and set to grow on Wednesday, with the most growing areas in the central and northern parts of the country.

As temperatures soar this week, the government has relaunched measures to help workers most vulnerable to the heat: those who bake outside, such as farmers and construction workers, or have poor ventilation at home.

This means some businesses can suspend or reduce their activity when temperatures are exceptional, then access state funds to pay hard workers.

The rest of the time is the time of air transportation. Anyone who is installed at home or at work now has a full blast and the shutters are closed.

Those without, especially the elderly and the most vulnerable, were told to go to air-conditioned public spaces instead.

Horse-drawn tourists in Palermo still have to wait until evening or a cooler day.

Some restaurants in Turin have closed their balconies – elsewhere, including Rome, giant outdoor fans and sprinklers are working overtime.

For those who go out to eat, the Ministry of Health offers some advice: choose pasta instead of meat and switch to dehydrating coffee or cold beer.