Severe heatwave brings red alerts to Italy and record temperatures to Austria

Widespread heatwaves continue to drive dangerous temperatures across Southern and Central Europe. In Italy, health officials issued red weather warnings for 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities reported at least four heat-related deaths and urged residents to avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 18:00.

In Austria, national meteorological service GeoSphere recorded a preliminary all-time high temperature of 40.8 degrees Celsius in Stammersdorf, near Vienna, potentially surpassing the previous national mark set in 2013 by 0.3 degrees. Meanwhile, Western European nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are bracing for another wave of extreme heat alongside severe drought conditions and increased wildfire threats.

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