Record heatwaves sweep Western and Southern Europe as mortality rises
Extreme heatwaves across Europe trigger red alerts in Italy, a record 40.8°C in Austria, and over 7,300 excess deaths in France.
Extreme heat continues to affect Western and Southern Europe, bringing record-breaking temperatures, high-level health warnings, and rising mortality figures.
In Italy, health authorities extended red alerts across all 27 monitored major cities as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the year. Temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius are expected to persist for another week, with officials advising residents to avoid outdoor exposure between 11:00 and 18:00.
Meanwhile, Austria registered its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. French health authorities reported over 7,300 excess deaths between May and July following 52 days of heatwave conditions since mid-June. Meteorologists warn that severe heat, drought, and heightened wildfire risks will continue across the region as France and the United Kingdom brace for further extreme weather.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- 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
- Aftenposten — Over 7300 ekstra dødsfall under hetebølgen i Frankrike
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
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEurope faces prolonged fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:00 AM UTCExtreme heat persists across Europe as temperature records fall and health warnings expand
- 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
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCExtreme heat across Europe triggers record temperatures and public health warnings
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger national records and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCEuropean heatwaves trigger record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths