European nations face extreme heat, record temperatures, and health warnings

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 29, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-29-1700
European nations face extreme heat, record temperatures, and health warnings
Photo: DR

Severe heatwaves continue across Europe, bringing record temperatures in Austria, red alerts in Italy, and thousands of excess deaths in France.

Southern and Central Europe continue to face severe heatwaves, with multiple countries logging extreme temperatures, health alerts, and rising mortality rates.

Italy’s Health Ministry extended red heat warnings to all 27 of its largest cities as a fourth seasonal heatwave persists, bringing expected temperatures of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities have urged the public to avoid sunlight during peak afternoon hours and take precautions following several reported heat-related deaths.

Elsewhere, Austria set a national temperature record of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna, while French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths recorded across 52 heatwave days between May and July. Additionally, both France and the United Kingdom are bracing for another wave of extreme heat approaching 40 degrees Celsius alongside elevated wildfire and drought risks.

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

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