Extreme heat persists across Europe as Italy issues red alerts

Southern and Central Europe continue to face severe heatwaves as temperatures approach or exceed 40 degrees Celsius. In Italy, health authorities issued red alerts for all 27 major cities amid its fourth heatwave of the year, warning residents to stay indoors between 11:00 and 18:00.

Record-breaking conditions have also been recorded elsewhere. Austria registered its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, where heatwave conditions have persisted for 52 days since mid-June, health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths between May and July.

Meteorologists warn that high temperatures, drought conditions, and elevated wildfire risks will persist across Western and Southern Europe, including the United Kingdom and France, over the coming week.

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