Europe faces expanding heatwaves as temperatures hit record highs

Europe continues to grapple with prolonged extreme heat as multiple nations report record temperatures and rising health risks. Italian authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, during the country's fourth heatwave of the summer. Health officials advised the public to stay indoors during peak afternoon hours as forecasts project temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius to persist.

Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths between May and July following 52 days of heatwave conditions. Austria also registered a new national record high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Western European nations, including the United Kingdom and France, are preparing for additional heat alongside severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks across the continent.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)