Europe faces prolonged heatwave as Italy issues widespread red alerts

Extreme heat continues to intensify across Europe, prompting public health warnings and setting all-time temperature records. In Italy, the Ministry of Health expanded top-tier red alerts across all 27 monitored major cities as the country's fourth heatwave of the summer brought sustained temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have urged the public to avoid outdoor exposure during peak daytime hours, while health officials reported related fatalities.

The heatwave has also broken records elsewhere, with Austria registering a national high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, countries including France and the United Kingdom are bracing for elevated temperatures, which are worsening prolonged drought conditions and increasing wildfire hazards across the continent. Consecutive heat spikes throughout the season have contributed to a significant increase in excess mortality across Europe.

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