Italy declares maximum heat alerts as intense temperatures sweep across Europe

Extreme heat continues to intensify across Europe, prompting governments to issue urgent weather and health warnings. Italy’s health ministry placed all 27 of its major cities on red alert, warning that the extreme temperatures pose severe health risks to the entire population. Austria also recorded new heat records, while Germany expects temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius alongside severe thunderstorm warnings issued by the German Weather Service.

The prolonged heatwave and lack of rainfall have significantly impacted regional water infrastructure. Water levels along the Rhine, Danube, and Lake Constance remain at historic lows, impacting river transport. Meanwhile, emergency crews in France, Spain, and Portugal continue to fight uncontained wildfires that have disrupted local tourism and prompted further evacuations.

Sources: DW, FAZ, Der Spiegel, ORF, Tagesschau