Southern and Western Europe face historic heatwaves as health warnings expand

Severe heatwaves continue to sweep across Western and Southern Europe, driving temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and triggering emergency health measures. Italian authorities issued red alerts for 27 major cities as the nation faces its fourth prolonged heat period this summer. Officials advised residents to avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 18:00.

In Austria, a suburb near Vienna recorded a historic high of 40.8 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, French health authorities reported more than 7,300 excess deaths associated with 52 days of heatwaves between May and July. Additional periods of extreme heat are projected to impact parts of France and the United Kingdom, intensifying regional drought conditions and wildfire risks.

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