Record temperatures and red alerts hit Europe as extreme heat persists

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 23, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-23-0530
Record temperatures and red alerts hit Europe as extreme heat persists
Photo: DR

Severe heatwaves continue across Europe, triggering maximum weather alerts in Italy, setting a temperature record in Austria, and causing thousands of excess deaths in France.

Persistent extreme heat continues to impact several European nations, triggering nationwide emergency warnings and pushing regional temperatures to historic highs.

In Italy, health authorities expanded maximum red alerts to all 27 major urban centers as a fourth seasonal heatwave arrived, with temperatures forecast to approach 40 degrees Celsius. Austrian meteorologists reported an all-time national temperature record after thermometers reached 40.8 degrees Celsius in Vienna.

Meanwhile, French health officials announced that more than 7,300 excess fatalities occurred between May and July amid repeated extended heat periods totaling over 50 days. Western Europe, including France and the United Kingdom, continues to prepare for further 40-degree conditions alongside heightened drought and wildfire risks across the continent.

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

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