Severe heatwaves prompt red alerts and record temperatures across Europe

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 30, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-30-1200
Severe heatwaves prompt red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
Photo: DR

European nations face extreme summer heatwaves, with Italy declaring top-level warnings and Austria recording a record 40.8 degrees Celsius.

Extreme weather conditions continue across Europe as a fourth summer heatwave brings temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius. In Italy, the Health Ministry placed all 27 major cities under red weather alerts, advising the public to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and take precautions such as staying hydrated.

Record-breaking heat was registered in Austria, where a suburb of Vienna recorded the nation's highest temperature to date at 40.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, health authorities in France linked more than 7,300 excess deaths to 52 heatwave days recorded since May. Continued extreme heat, drought, and elevated wildfire risks remain expected across Western Europe, including the United Kingdom.

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

Sources

Earlier coverage

Share