Extreme heatwave brings record temperatures and health alerts across Europe

The fourth major heatwave of the summer has swept across Italy, prompting health authorities to issue red alerts for all 27 major cities as temperatures reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Official guidance urges citizens to avoid outdoor exposure between 11:00 and 18:00, stay hydrated, and wear light clothing, following four heat-related fatalities in recent days.

Across the continent, extreme weather continues to set historical benchmarks. 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 52 heatwave days since mid-June. Severe drought conditions, elevated wildfire risks, and temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius persist across Western and Southern Europe, with regions in Spain, the United States, and elsewhere logging their hottest July on record.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG