Europe faces fourth summer heatwave as Austria sets record temperature

Southern and central European countries are preparing for prolonged extreme heat as a fourth heatwave moves across the region.

In Italy, health officials extended red alerts across all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria. Authorities advised the public to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours as temperatures reach 40°C, with at least four deaths linked to the heat in recent days.

Meanwhile, Austria's meteorological service GeoSphere reported a preliminary national record high of 40.8°C in Stammersdorf, north of Vienna, surpassing the previous record set in 2013. Other European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are also preparing for elevated temperatures near 40°C amid ongoing drought and wildfire risks.

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