Extreme heatwaves sweep Europe as temperatures reach record highs
Extreme heatwaves across Europe trigger record temperatures in Austria, maximum weather alerts in Italy, and thousands of excess deaths in France.
A fourth wave of extreme heat this year is sweeping across Europe, bringing record-breaking temperatures, high health risks, and heightened threats of wildfires. Italian authorities have issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures are expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius over the coming week.
In Austria, meteorologists registered the country’s highest temperature on record, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths associated with heatwaves between May and July. Meteorological data shows France has experienced 52 days of heatwave conditions since mid-June, with extreme heat continuing into August. Further temperature spikes reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected across parts of Western Europe, including France and the United Kingdom, alongside persistent drought conditions.
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
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth summer heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEurope faces escalating fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
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- Oct 13, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth heatwave hits Europe as temperatures reach record highs
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCExtreme heat across Europe triggers record temperatures and public health warnings
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger national records and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCEuropean heatwaves trigger record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths