Europe faces mounting toll and record temperatures in fourth summer heatwave

A fourth summer heatwave continues to bring extreme weather to Western and Southern Europe, pushing temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius and intensifying public health concerns.

Italian authorities issued red heat alerts for 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, warning residents that dangerous conditions could last through the week. Austria recorded its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 days of heatwaves recorded since mid-June.

The ongoing high temperatures follow one of the hottest Julys on record globally. Meteorologists warn of continued dry conditions, high wildfire risks, and upcoming temperature spikes across France and the United Kingdom.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG