Italy places major cities under red alert
Italy has placed all 27 cities monitored by its heat surveillance system under the highest red alert as a severe heatwave grips Europe. The warning stretches from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily and marks the first time this year that the entire network has been under maximum alert at once.
Health officials said the danger applies to the whole population, not only older adults or people with chronic illnesses. Authorities urged people to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, stay indoors when possible, and drink plenty of water.
The wider heatwave has pushed temperatures above 40C in several countries, set a new Austrian record of 41.2C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, fueled wildfires in France, and disrupted energy and transport systems across the continent.
Key Events
- Italy placed all 27 cities in its heat surveillance system under red alert.
- The alert spans cities from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily.
- Authorities warned the heat risk applies to the entire population, not just vulnerable groups.
- Residents and tourists were told to avoid direct sun during peak hours, stay indoors when possible, and drink plenty of water.
- Europe’s heatwave also set a national temperature record in Austria at 41.2C near Bad Deutsch-Altenburg.
- The heatwave fueled wildfires in France and disrupted energy and transport systems across the continent.