European heatwaves bring record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths

A fourth summer heatwave continues to sweep across Western and Southern Europe, pushing temperatures toward 40 degrees Celsius and prompting widespread public health warnings.

Italian authorities placed 27 major cities under red heat alerts, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, advising citizens to remain indoors during peak daylight hours. The prolonged weather system has driven extreme conditions across the region, with Austria recording an all-time high temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths tied to 52 days of heatwaves since mid-June.

The unrelenting heat continues to worsen drought conditions and fuel elevated wildfire risks across several European countries following one of the hottest Julys on record.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG