Southern and Western Europe face continuing heatwave as alerts expand

A fourth summer heatwave continues to sweep across Western and Southern Europe, prompting expanded public health warnings and recording historic temperatures.

In Italy, health authorities issued red alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as temperatures were projected to reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Authorities advised residents to avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and stay hydrated, with meteorologists predicting the conditions will persist over the coming week.

Meanwhile, Austria registered a historic temperature high of 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. In France, health officials reported more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to recurring heatwaves spanning 52 days since mid-June. Meteorologists warn of ongoing drought conditions and heightened wildfire risks, with further temperature spikes expected in France and the United Kingdom.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, TV 2 Nyheter, VG