European heatwaves trigger record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths

Health authorities and meteorologists across Southern and Western Europe continue to report severe impacts from ongoing heatwaves.

Italy has placed all 27 of its major cities under red heat alerts as temperatures reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Public health officials urged citizens to take precautions following four heat-related fatalities. In Austria, a national record temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius was recorded near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities confirmed over 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 days of intense heat recorded since mid-June.

Forecasters warn that upcoming weather patterns could push temperatures back toward 40 degrees Celsius in France and the United Kingdom, compounding ongoing droughts and wildfire threats across Western Europe.

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