Extreme heatwave brings record temperatures across southern and central Europe

Southern and central European countries are facing severe conditions as a fourth summer heatwave delivers dangerous temperatures and breaks historical weather benchmarks.

Italian health authorities issued maximum red weather alerts across all 27 major cities after extending warnings to Messina and Reggio Calabria. Temperatures approaching 40°C are expected to persist for at least another week, prompting officials to advise residents to remain indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 and take precautionary health measures. At least four deaths have been linked to the extreme heat in Italy.

Record high temperatures were also documented across central Europe. Austria's meteorological service reported a preliminary national record after temperatures in Vienna reached 40.8°C, with later readings reaching 41.2°C further east. In southern Slovakia, temperatures peaked at 41.4°C in Kamenica nad Hronom, while elevated temperatures were also recorded across Hungary and France.

Sources: 8 Sidor, Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter