Extreme heat triggers red alerts and record temperatures across Europe

A prolonged heatwave continues to impact vast areas of Europe, prompting health warnings, historic temperature records, and elevated mortality figures.

In Italy, the health ministry extended red heat alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius. Public health officials advised residents to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00.

Austria recorded a national temperature high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat conditions between May and July, following more than 50 days of heatwaves. Meteorologists warn that incoming high temperatures in France and the United Kingdom will exacerbate ongoing drought conditions and elevate wildfire risks.

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