Europe Heat Wave Intensifies: Italy Puts All Major Cities on Red Alert, While Austria Hits Record 41.2°C

A powerful heat wave sweeping across Europe has pushed temperatures above 40°C in several countries, triggering health alerts, worsening drought, fuelling wildfires and putting pressure on power and transport systems.

Italy placed all 27 cities monitored under its highest heat alert on Thursday, marking the first time this year that the entire national network has simultaneously been under a red warning. The alert stretches from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily and indicates a health risk for the entire population.

Authorities urged residents and tourists to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, stay indoors where possible and drink plenty of water. Rome has installed cooling mist fans at the Colosseum and added medical stations, while evening opening hours at attractions such as the Colosseum and Pantheon have been extended.

The Italian capital has also opened a free temporary “urban beach” along the Tiber River, offering swimming pools, fountains and shaded areas for residents seeking relief from the scorching conditions.

Elsewhere, the heat has shattered national temperature records. Austria recorded an all-time high of 41.2°C at Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border. Slovakia later registered an even higher temperature of 42.2°C at Dolne Plachtince.

Low water levels are adding to the crisis. In Slovakia, falling levels in the Danube forced the Gabcikovo hydroelectric plant to shut seven of its eight turbines. Hungary's only nuclear power plant has also sharply reduced output because of insufficient river water for cooling, prompting emergency electricity-saving measures.

Germany is facing concerns over falling Rhine water levels, threatening inland shipping and industries dependent on river transport.

Meanwhile, wildfire risks remain high in France and the Balkans. A major blaze in southeastern France has burned more than 60 square kilometres, while Serbia is battling several forest fires amid dry conditions.

The extreme weather has renewed concerns about Europe's ability to cope with increasingly frequent and intense heat waves. Scientists and officials say the crisis is exposing vulnerabilities in public health, energy, transport and tourism infrastructure as the climate continues to warm.