European health authorities issue alerts as fourth summer heatwave hits

Southern and central European nations are facing prolonged extreme weather as a fourth summer heatwave spreads across the continent. In Italy, health authorities issued red alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, with daytime temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius. Officials advised residents to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated following at least four recent heat-related deaths.

The heatwave has set new meteorological records, with Austria registering a historic peak of 40.8 degrees Celsius in a suburb of Vienna. In France, health authorities recorded over 7,300 excess deaths after experiencing 52 days of heatwave conditions between May and July. Western European countries, including France and the United Kingdom, are preparing for additional temperature spikes alongside persistent drought and elevated wildfire risks.

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