Severe heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe

Europe is enduring a fourth consecutive summer heatwave, bringing record-breaking temperatures, elevated health risks, and thousands of heat-related fatalities across the continent. In Italy, health authorities issued red alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius persist. Officials recommended avoiding direct sunlight during peak daytime hours following recent heat-induced deaths.

Concurrently, Austria recorded its highest temperature on record at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days since May. Emergency services across Western and Central Europe, including the United Kingdom, are bracing for prolonged dry spells, heightened wildfire danger, and continued extreme heat.

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