Extreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record

A fourth heatwave of the summer is sweeping through Europe, driving temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and triggering widespread public health alerts.

Italian authorities issued top-level red heat warnings across all 27 major cities as temperatures soared, following at least four reported heat-related deaths. In Austria, meteorologists recorded a national record temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna.

Meanwhile, French health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths attributed to extreme conditions between May and July, with the country enduring 52 heatwave days since mid-June. Forecasters warn that both France and the United Kingdom are preparing for another surge toward 40 degrees Celsius, worsening severe drought and wildfire conditions across Western and Southern Europe.

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