Record temperatures and heatwave warnings sweep Western Europe

A continuous surge of extreme heat is gripping Western and Southern Europe, setting meteorological records and raising health alarms. In Italy, health officials expanded red weather warnings to all 27 major cities as temperatures approaching 40 degrees Celsius persist into a fourth heatwave. Austria recorded its highest temperature on record, reaching 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna.

Meanwhile, French authorities reported more than 7,300 excess fatalities across 52 heatwave days between May and July. Meteorological services in France and the United Kingdom warn that an impending wave of near 40-degree heat will exacerbate severe drought conditions and heighten wildfire risks across the continent.

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