Record temperatures and heatwave alerts sweep across southern and central Europe

Extreme heat continues across Europe as multiple countries face dangerous weather conditions, record-breaking temperatures, and rising fatalities.

Italian health authorities issued red weather alerts for all 27 major cities as the country enters its fourth heatwave of the year, expecting temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius to persist for another week. At least four deaths in Italy have been attributed to the extreme weather.

In Austria, a national record was set after temperatures reached 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, French authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths between May and July, during which the country experienced 52 days of heatwave conditions. Meteorological services in France and the United Kingdom warn of an impending heatwave with temperatures approaching 40 degrees, exacerbating risks of wildfires and prolonged drought across the continent.

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