Record temperatures hit Austria as Italy issues heat warnings across major cities

Southern and central Europe continue to endure severe summer conditions as a fourth heatwave spreads across the continent. Italian health authorities expanded red alerts to cover all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures approaching 40°C persist and at least four heat-related deaths were reported.

In Austria, meteorological service GeoSphere registered a preliminary record temperature of 40.8°C in Stammersdorf, north of Vienna, surpassing the previous national high set in 2013. Meanwhile, countries including France and the United Kingdom are bracing for rising temperatures near 40°C, alongside ongoing concerns regarding drought and heightened wildfire risks following unusually hot July conditions across several regions.

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