Extreme heatwaves sweep Europe with record temperatures and rising fatalities

A fourth heatwave of the season is bringing temperatures close to 40 degrees Celsius across Europe, worsening health risks, drought, and wildfire conditions.

In Italy, health authorities extended red weather alerts to cover all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, following at least four reported heat-related fatalities. Officials have advised residents to stay indoors between 11:00 and 18:00.

Temperature records continue to fall elsewhere on the continent. Austria registered its highest temperature ever recorded when a suburb of Vienna reached 40.8 degrees Celsius. In France, health officials reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to extreme heat between May and July, during 52 heatwave days logged since mid-June. Further high temperatures are anticipated across Western Europe, including France and the United Kingdom.

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