Record heat sweeps Europe as Italy issues red alerts and Austria logs all-time high
Severe heat sweeps Europe as Austria logs a record 40.8C and Italy extends red alerts across 27 major cities amid rising health risks.
Extreme heat continues to affect large parts of Europe, prompting record-setting temperatures and widespread emergency warnings. In Austria, meteorological agency GeoSphere reported a preliminary all-time national high of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Stammersdorf, north of Vienna, eclipsing the previous benchmark established in 2013.
In Italy, health authorities issued top-tier red weather alerts across all 27 major urban centres, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as the country endures its fourth heatwave of the season. Officials advised the public to remain indoors during peak daylight hours following at least four heat-related fatalities. Meanwhile, forecasters in France and the United Kingdom warned of approaching temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius, intensifying ongoing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks across the continent.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- Aftenposten — Rekordhøy temperatur målt i Østerrike: 40,8 grader i dag
- Berlingske — Østrig måler højeste temperatur nogensinde
- TV 2 Nyheter — Italia koker: Rødt farevarsel i 27 byer
- DR — Italiens sundhedsministerium advarer om ekstrem varme
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Ny hetebølge rammer Europa: Opp mot 40 grader
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth summer heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEurope faces escalating fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
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- Oct 13, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth heatwave hits Europe as temperatures reach record highs
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record
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- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger national records and health warnings across Europe
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