Southern and Western Europe face rising casualties in persistent heatwaves

Southern and Western Europe continue to face severe weather as a fourth heatwave brings temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius to multiple countries. Italian authorities issued red health alerts for all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, urging the public to avoid outdoor activities between 11:00 and 18:00.

In Austria, a national temperature record was set when mercury reached 40.8 degrees Celsius in a suburb of Vienna. Meanwhile, French health officials registered more than 7,300 excess deaths linked to 52 heatwave days since May. Further north, Britain and France prepared for persistent high temperatures, severe drought, and heightened wildfire risks across affected areas.

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