Europe faces extreme heat as records fall and warnings expand

Severe heatwaves continue to sweep across Europe, prompting high-level health warnings, historical temperature records, and thousands of excess deaths. In Italy, the health ministry issued red alerts for 27 major cities as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius expected to persist into next week.

In Austria, a national heat record was set after temperatures reached 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to persistent heatwaves since May, with extreme conditions lasting over 50 days since mid-June. Forecasters warn that upcoming high temperatures across France and the United Kingdom will further intensify ongoing drought conditions and elevate wildfire risks.

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