European heatwave intensifies with record river lows and nationwide red alerts in Italy

A severe heatwave continues to sweep across Europe, pushing temperatures up to 39 degrees Celsius in Germany while triggering widespread health and environmental warnings. The German Meteorological Service warned that severe thunderstorms are expected to follow the high heat.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health placed all 27 major cities under the highest heat alert level, warning that extreme conditions pose a serious risk to the entire population. Meanwhile, prolonged drought has caused record-low water levels along key waterways. The Rhine gauge at Kaub dropped to its lowest level since 1880, while receding waters in the Danube exposed submerged shipwrecks and prehistoric artifacts.

Firefighters across France, Spain, and Portugal continue to battle extensive blazes, with fires near Bordeaux disrupting local tourism. Emergency crews also responded to a large wildfire in the Netherlands near the German border.

Sources: Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau