Extreme summer heat prompts warnings and record temperatures across Europe

Italy has issued red heat alerts for all 27 of its major cities as the country faces its fourth major heatwave of the summer. Health officials cautioned that temperatures reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius pose severe health risks, advising the public to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours following at least four recent heat-related deaths.

Across Western Europe, extreme conditions persist. Austria logged a national temperature record of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna, while French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths connected to 52 days of intense heat since mid-June. Meanwhile, forecasters warn that upcoming heatwaves could push temperatures towards 40 degrees Celsius in parts of France and the United Kingdom, compounding ongoing droughts and wildfire threats after regions worldwide recorded their hottest July on record.

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