Extreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Oct 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-10-13-0400
Extreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
Photo: DR

A fourth heatwave across Europe has triggered red alerts in 27 Italian cities, a record 40.8°C in Austria, and over 7,300 excess deaths in France.

A fourth heatwave is sweeping across Southern and Western Europe, prompting Italian authorities to issue top-level red alerts in all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria. Public health officials advised residents to stay indoors during peak daylight hours following four heat-related deaths.

Temperature records continue to fall across the continent. Austria registered its highest temperature on record, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius in a suburb of Vienna. In France, health authorities reported over 7,300 excess fatalities linked to 52 days of extreme heat since mid-June.

Forecasters warn that France and the United Kingdom are preparing for another wave of temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius, worsening widespread drought and wildfire risks across the region.

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

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