Europe faces fourth heatwave as Italy issues maximum red alerts

Italy expanded maximum heat warnings to all 27 major cities while Austria recorded a potential national temperature record of 40.8°C during Europe's fourth heatwave of the year.
Europe continues to face severe weather as a fourth heatwave spreads across the continent, bringing extreme temperatures, health advisories, and historical weather records. Italy extended red heat alerts to all 27 of its major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, with officials warning of persistent temperatures around 40°C and advising the public to stay indoors during peak hours.
Meanwhile, preliminary measurements in Austria recorded a national high of 40.8°C in Stammersdorf, near Vienna, potentially topping the country's previous 2013 record. Neighboring nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are also bracing for temperatures approaching 40°C. Broader regional reports indicate that July marked the hottest month on record for multiple areas, exacerbating ongoing drought conditions, wildfire hazards, and heat-related health risks across Europe.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- Aftenposten — Rekordhøy temperatur målt i Østerrike: 40,8 grader i dag
- Berlingske — Østrig måler højeste temperatur nogensinde
- TV 2 Nyheter — Italia koker: Rødt farevarsel i 27 byer
- DR — Italiens sundhedsministerium advarer om ekstrem varme
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Ny hetebølge rammer Europa: Opp mot 40 grader
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth summer heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEurope faces escalating fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEurope faces prolonged fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCExtreme heat persists across Europe as temperature records fall and health warnings expand
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth heatwave hits Europe as temperatures reach record highs
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCExtreme heat across Europe triggers record temperatures and public health warnings
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger national records and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCEuropean heatwaves trigger record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths