Europe faces rising death toll and record temperatures in persistent heatwave

Extreme heat continues across Western and Southern Europe as Italy experiences its fourth major heatwave of the season. Italian health authorities issued red alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, advising citizens to avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 18:00 following at least four heat-related deaths.

Temperature records are falling across the continent, with Austria registering an all-time high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported over 7,300 excess deaths associated with 52 heatwave days between May and July. Meteorological services in France and the United Kingdom warn of an additional heat spike approaching 40 degrees Celsius, while prolonged drought conditions heighten wildfire risks following record-high temperatures in July across several global regions.

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