Severe summer heatwave brings record temperatures and emergency alerts across Europe

Europe faces a fourth summer heatwave, with Italy issuing red alerts for 27 cities and Austria recording a record temperature of 40.8°C in Vienna.
Southern and central European countries face severe conditions as a fourth summer heatwave extends across the continent. Italian health authorities issued red warnings for 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures approaching 40°C persist and health officials report at least four heat-related deaths. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors during peak daylight hours.
Concurrently, Austria recorded a preliminary national record temperature of 40.8°C in northern Vienna, topping the previous high set in 2013. Rising heat levels continue to affect France, Spain, and the United Kingdom, where emergency services are preparing for heightened wildfire risks and worsening drought conditions following unusually warm weather across the region.
Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG (Verdens Gang)
Sources
- Aftenposten — Rekordhøy temperatur målt i Østerrike: 40,8 grader i dag
- Berlingske — Østrig måler højeste temperatur nogensinde
- TV 2 Nyheter — Italia koker: Rødt farevarsel i 27 byer
- DR — Italiens sundhedsministerium advarer om ekstrem varme
- VG (Verdens Gang) — Ny hetebølge rammer Europa: Opp mot 40 grader
Earlier coverage
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth summer heatwave brings record temperatures and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 14, 2026, 05:30 PM UTCEurope faces escalating fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
- Oct 14, 2026, 11:30 AM UTCEurope faces prolonged fourth heatwave as temperatures hit historic highs
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- Oct 13, 2026, 11:30 PM UTCFourth heatwave hits Europe as temperatures reach record highs
- Oct 13, 2026, 11:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwave sweeps Europe as Austria sets temperature record
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:30 AM UTCExtreme heat across Europe triggers record temperatures and public health warnings
- Oct 13, 2026, 04:00 AM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger red alerts and record temperatures across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 11:00 PM UTCExtreme heatwaves trigger national records and health warnings across Europe
- Oct 12, 2026, 10:00 PM UTCEuropean heatwaves trigger record temperatures and thousands of excess deaths