- Italy has placed all of its 27 major cities under the highest heat alert as the fourth heatwave of the summer intensifies.
- On Wednesday, 25 cities were on red alert, with two more to be added on Thursday, according to the health ministry.
- This is the first time this year that all 27 cities monitored by the health ministry have been placed on maximum alert.
- Austria recorded its highest temperature ever on Wednesday in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg, reaching 41.2°C (106.2°F).
- The ongoing heat wave is gripping Europe, prompting health warnings and disruptions across the continent.
- The extreme heat in Italy has been linked to four deaths in recent days, including a 19-year-old tomato-picker and a 40-year-old carpenter.
- Authorities have warned people to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated as temperatures approach 40°C (104°F).
- The heatwaves have exacerbated a drought in the Po valley, affecting water supply and agriculture.
Italy has placed all 27 major cities under the highest heat alert as a severe heatwave grips the country, marking the first time this year that the entire network has been under maximum alert.13
Temperatures have approached 40°C (104°F), prompting health warnings for the entire population, not just vulnerable groups. Authorities advise avoiding direct sunlight, staying indoors, and drinking at least 1.5 liters of water daily.7
The extreme heat has been linked to four recent deaths, including a 19-year-old tomato-picker and a 40-year-old carpenter in Lombardy.6
Italy's drought has worsened, affecting agriculture and leading to water supply issues in over 100 towns across Piedmont and Lombardy.8
In Austria, the heatwave has set a national record with temperatures reaching 41.2°C (106.2°F), exacerbating drought conditions that have not been seen since 1885.4
Climatologist Alexander Orlik noted that rainfall has been significantly below average, impacting water supplies and agriculture.
As the heatwave continues, authorities across Europe are implementing emergency measures to conserve energy and manage the crisis, with warnings of further health risks and environmental impacts.
“The red alert signals a health risk for the entire population, not just vulnerable groups, with authorities urging people to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm and drink at least 1.5 liters of water daily. The heatwave has been linked to four deaths, including a 19-year-old tomato-picker and a 40-year-old carpenter in Lombardy.”
The Guardian
The Independent
