European heatwave drives record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths

Europe is enduring another surge of extreme heat as severe weather conditions strain emergency services and break temperature records across the continent.

In Italy, health authorities extended red alerts across all 27 major cities amid the country's fourth heatwave of the season, warning of temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius and confirming several heat-related fatalities. Meanwhile, Austria recorded an all-time national temperature high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna.

The prolonged high temperatures have taken a heavy toll, with French health authorities reporting over 7,300 excess deaths linked to multiple heatwave periods between May and July. As France and the United Kingdom brace for further temperature spikes, persistent dry spells continue to heighten wildfire hazards and exacerbate severe drought throughout southern and western Europe.

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