European heatwave brings record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Oct 9, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-09-1730
European heatwave brings record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths
Photo: DR

Europe faces severe heatwaves, with Italy declaring widespread red alerts, Austria breaking temperature records, and France reporting thousands of heat-related excess deaths.

Southern and Western Europe continue to face severe summer conditions as recurring heatwaves trigger health alerts and push temperatures to historic highs.

In Italy, health authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities during the country's fourth heatwave of the season, warning of high health risks and temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius. Austria registered its highest temperature on record after a station in a Vienna suburb reached 40.8 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, French health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days between May and July. Both France and the United Kingdom are preparing for another wave of extreme heat, while persistent drought and wildfire risks continue across the region.

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

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