Extreme heatwaves persist across Europe as temperatures top 40 degrees Celsius

Southern and Western Europe continue to face severe heatwaves, with public health authorities issuing warnings and tracking excess casualties. Italy's Ministry of Health extended red heat alerts to all 27 of its major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as the country experiences its fourth heatwave of the summer. Health officials advised the public to stay indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, French health authorities recorded over 7,300 excess deaths linked to persistent heat across May, June, and July, during which heatwave conditions endured for 52 days. Austria also logged its highest temperature on record, with 40.8 degrees Celsius measured in a suburb of Vienna. Forecasts indicate high temperatures will linger for another week while Britain and France prepare for further spikes.

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