Fourth heatwave prompts red alerts in Italy and record temperatures in Austria

Extreme summer temperatures continue to affect Europe, prompting health warnings and breaking historical weather records. Italian authorities issued top-level red heat alerts across 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures approaching 40°C are expected to linger for at least a week. Health officials advised citizens to stay indoors during peak hours following heat-related deaths.

In Central Europe, Austria recorded a preliminary national record high of 40.8°C in Stammersdorf, a suburb of Vienna. The reading surpasses the previous record established in 2013. Meanwhile, France and the United Kingdom are preparing for elevated temperatures alongside heightened risks of prolonged drought and severe wildfires as extreme weather conditions persist across the continent.

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