Extreme heat continues across Europe as temperature records break

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Oct 3, 2026, 10:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-03-2230
Extreme heat continues across Europe as temperature records break
Photo: DR

European nations face severe heatwaves with record temperatures in Austria, nationwide red alerts in Italy, and thousands of excess deaths reported in France.

A persistent wave of extreme summer weather continues to affect multiple European countries, bringing record-breaking temperatures and heightened public health risks. Italian authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities amid the nation's fourth heatwave of the season, warning of high health risks as temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius. In Austria, meteorologists registered a historic national record of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna.

The prolonged heat has had severe health consequences. French health officials recorded more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat between May and July, during a period marked by 52 days of heatwave conditions. Western European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are preparing for further temperature spikes alongside ongoing drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks.

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

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