Europe swelters under persistent heatwaves as temperature records tumble

Record-breaking temperatures and persistent heatwaves continue to strain public health across Europe. In Italy, health officials expanded top-level red alerts to all 27 major cities amid the country's fourth seasonal heatwave, with temperatures climbing toward 40 degrees Celsius and several heat-related fatalities confirmed.

Austria recorded an all-time national high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna, while western and southern regions confront ongoing drought and elevated wildfire risks. The prolonged warm periods have caused severe health consequences across the continent, including more than 7,300 excess deaths reported by French health authorities between May and July. As meteorologists forecast additional temperature spikes reaching parts of France and the United Kingdom, authorities across affected nations continue urging the public to take precautions against intense heat exposure.

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