Europe faces intensifying heatwave as Austria records all-time high
Austria recorded a preliminary record high of 40.8C while Italy issued red heat alerts for 27 major cities as extreme summer temperatures persist across Europe.
Extreme heat continues to break temperature records and trigger public health warnings across Europe. In Austria, the meteorological service GeoSphere registered a preliminary all-time national high of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Stammersdorf, north of Vienna, exceeding the previous record set in 2013.
At the same time, Italy's health ministry issued red alerts for all 27 major monitored cities as the nation entered its fourth major heatwave of the summer. The top-tier warnings, which expanded to southern cities including Messina and Reggio Calabria, urge residents to stay out of the sun during peak daytime hours following several heat-related fatalities. Forecasters project temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius across parts of Western Europe, extending prolonged drought conditions and elevated wildfire hazards.
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
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- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record
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