Europe battles extreme heatwave
Italy, France and Germany were among the countries hardest hit as an intense heatwave swept across Europe. Authorities issued the highest heat alerts in major Italian cities while temperatures climbed above 40°C in several places.
The hot spell set new national records in Austria and fueled wildfires in France. It also disrupted power generation, transport and tourism across the continent, adding pressure on infrastructure and public services.
Key Events
- Italy placed all major cities under the highest heat alert.
- The heatwave drove temperatures above 40°C in several countries.
- Austria recorded a national temperature record.
- Wildfires intensified in France.
- Power generation, transport and tourism were disrupted across Europe.
Italy places cities on red heat alert
Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities in its heat surveillance network under red alert as a severe heat wave spread across Europe. The warning, the highest level in the system, signaled a health risk for the entire population and covered locations from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily.
The wider weather system pushed temperatures above 40C in several countries. The extreme heat also contributed to wildfires in France and caused disruptions to energy and transport networks across the continent.
Key Events
- Italy placed all 27 monitored cities on the highest heat alert level.
- The alert covered cities from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily.
- The ministry said this was the first time this year the entire network had been under the top warning level at once.
- The heat wave pushed temperatures above 40C in several countries.
- The extreme weather fueled wildfires in France and disrupted energy and transport systems across Europe.