Worsening European heatwave breaks temperature records and triggers health alerts

A fourth summer heatwave continues to grip Southern and Western Europe, driving temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and elevating public health warnings.

In Italy, health authorities extended red weather alerts to all 27 major cities, including Messina and Reggio Calabria, as extreme conditions are forecast to persist for another week. Officials recommended staying indoors between 11:00 and 18:00 to reduce health risks.

Extreme heat has also established new records elsewhere across the continent. Austria recorded its highest temperature ever at 40.8 degrees Celsius near Vienna. Meanwhile, health authorities in France reported over 7,300 excess deaths linked to recurring heatwaves spanning 52 days since mid-June.

Meteorologists warn that severe drought conditions and elevated wildfire risks will persist as France and the United Kingdom prepare for additional spikes approaching 40 degrees Celsius.

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