European heatwave triggers red alerts and record temperatures

A severe heatwave continues to impact Southern and Western Europe, driving record-breaking temperatures and raising public health concerns.

In Italy, the Ministry of Health placed all 27 major cities under red weather alerts as the country faces its fourth thermal wave of the year. Forecasts indicate temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius will persist for another week, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay indoors during peak daylight hours.

Meanwhile, Austria recorded its highest temperature on record, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials linked over 7,300 excess deaths to persistent extreme heat across 52 days between May and July. Upcoming forecasts warn of renewed heatwaves reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in France and the United Kingdom, threatening to worsen drought and wildfire risks across the region.

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