Europe faces intense summer heatwave as temperature records fall

Southern and Western Europe continue to contend with a severe fourth summer heatwave, bringing extreme temperatures, severe drought, and heightened wildfire risks.

Italian health authorities expanded maximum red weather alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as extreme heat is forecast to linger for at least another week. Officials urged the public to avoid outdoor activity between 11:00 and 18:00 following at least four reported heat-related deaths.

Temperature records continue to fall across the continent. Austria recorded its highest temperature in history at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat across 52 heatwave days between May and July. Meteorological services warn that high temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius will persist across France and the United Kingdom.

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