Europe faces fourth summer heatwave as Austria sets new temperature record

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 12, 2026, 08:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-12-2000
Europe faces fourth summer heatwave as Austria sets new temperature record
Photo: DR

Southern and Central Europe face a fourth major heatwave, with Italy issuing red alerts and Austria recording a record-breaking 40.8°C near Vienna.

Southern and Central Europe are contending with a fourth major heatwave this summer, bringing near-record temperatures, severe drought conditions, and widespread health warnings across the region.

Italian authorities have issued red weather alerts for 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as forecasts predict temperatures approaching 40°C will persist. Health officials advised citizens to seek shelter during peak daylight hours following reports of heat-related deaths.

Meanwhile, Austria registered a preliminary all-time national temperature record of 40.8°C in a suburb of Vienna. Additional extreme heat warnings have been issued across France and the United Kingdom, where forecasts also indicate temperatures near 40°C amidst heightened wildfire risks.

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

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