Europe faces fourth heatwave as Italy issues maximum red alerts

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 12, 2026, 02:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-12-1430
Europe faces fourth heatwave as Italy issues maximum red alerts
Photo: DR

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

Earlier coverage

Share