Europe Heatwave Breaks Records as Italy Issues Nationwide Red Alert

A powerful heatwave swept across Europe on Thursday, pushing temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius in several countries, triggering wildfires and placing pressure on power supplies, transport networks and public health systems.

Italy placed all 27 cities covered by its national heat monitoring system under the highest red alert for the first time this year. The warning, stretching from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily, indicated that extreme temperatures posed a health risk to the entire population.

Authorities advised residents and tourists to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours, drink plenty of water and remain indoors where possible. Rome extended evening opening hours at major attractions including the Colosseum and Pantheon. Cooling mist fans and additional medical stations were also installed at the Colosseum.

The capital also opened a free temporary urban beach along the Tiber River, offering swimming pools, water fountains and shaded areas to residents seeking relief from the heat.

Temperatures also reached record levels elsewhere. Slovakia recorded an all-time national high of 42.2C at Dolne Plachtince, according to the Slovak Meteorological Institute. Low water levels in the Danube forced the country’s largest hydroelectric plant at Gabčíkovo to shut seven of its eight turbines.

Austria recorded its highest temperature ever on Wednesday, reaching 41.2C in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border. The country is also facing severe drought, with rainfall during the first half of the year 27% below the long-term average.

Hungary has faced similar problems as falling Danube levels affected its only nuclear power plant. Operators reduced output sharply, prompting the government to ask households and major industrial users to cut electricity consumption during peak evening hours.

Decorative lighting at Budapest landmarks was switched off, while several major companies reduced power use. Freight trains were also restricted during peak demand periods.

Germany is facing difficulties from falling river levels, particularly on the Rhine, where reduced water depths are threatening inland shipping and raising concerns for industrial supply chains.

France remains on high wildfire alert. A major blaze in the Var region has burned more than 60 square kilometres since July 20. Although firefighters said the fire was no longer spreading, dry conditions and strong winds continued to create a high risk of renewed outbreaks.

The Balkans were also hit by intense heat, with temperatures approaching 40C in Serbia and Croatia. Firefighters battled forest fires in Serbia, while tourists in Dubrovnik sought shade as the Adriatic coast experienced extreme temperatures.

The latest conditions have highlighted the growing strain that prolonged heat, drought and wildfires are placing on Europe’s infrastructure and communities.