Extreme heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe

Record temperatures hit Austria while Italy issues red alerts for major cities amid worsening heatwaves and thousands of excess deaths across Europe.
Extreme heat continues to affect multiple European countries, with temperatures reaching historic highs and health authorities issuing severe warnings. Austria recorded its highest temperature on record on Tuesday, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, Italy has extended red heat alerts to all 27 of its major cities as temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius are expected to persist for another week. Italian officials advised the public to remain indoors during peak daylight hours following recent heat-related fatalities.
In France, health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths during heatwaves spanning May, June, and July, amid 52 days of heatwave conditions since mid-June. The United Kingdom and France are preparing for further temperature spikes up to 40 degrees Celsius, alongside severe drought conditions and wildfire threats across Western Europe.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- Berlingske — Østrig måler højeste temperatur nogensinde
- TV 2 Nyheter — Italia koker: Rødt farevarsel i 27 byer
- DR — Italiens sundhedsministerium advarer om ekstrem varme
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Ny hetebølge rammer Europa: Opp mot 40 grader
- Aftenposten — Over 7300 ekstra dødsfall under hetebølgen i Frankrike
Earlier coverage
- Nov 5, 2026, 08:00 AM UTCEurope faces severe heatwave with record temperatures and red alerts
- Nov 5, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCWorsening European heatwave breaks temperature records and triggers health alerts
- Nov 5, 2026, 06:00 AM UTCHeatwaves trigger record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Nov 5, 2026, 02:00 AM UTCSouthern and Western Europe face continuing heatwave as alerts expand
- Nov 4, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCEurope faces mounting toll and record temperatures in fourth summer heatwave
- Oct 31, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCEuropean heatwaves bring record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths
- Oct 30, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave continues across Europe as temperatures reach record highs
- Oct 29, 2026, 07:30 AM UTCExtreme summer heatwave triggers record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 29, 2026, 01:30 AM UTCEuropean heatwave triggers red alerts in Italy and record temperatures in Austria
- Oct 28, 2026, 06:30 AM UTCEurope faces fourth heatwave as temperatures near 40 degrees