Extreme heat triggers alerts and record temperatures across Europe

Multiple European countries are facing severe weather conditions as persistent heatwaves drive temperatures toward 40 degrees Celsius and higher across the continent.

Italian health officials issued top-level red warnings for all 27 major urban centers as the nation entered its fourth seasonal heatwave. Authorities urged residents to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and take precautionary measures against heat exposure. In Austria, meteorologists registered a new national temperature record of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna.

The prolonged warmth is driving significant mortality and environmental strain. French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths between May and July following over 50 cumulative days of heatwaves. Western European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are now preparing for additional periods of extreme heat alongside heightened risks of drought and wildfires.

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