Europe heatwave puts all major Italian cities on red alert as Austria sets heat record

Italy issued an extreme heat alert for all of its major cities on Thursday as a scorching heat wave swept across Europe. The heat has set a national temperature record in Austria, sparked wildfires in France, and disrupted energy and transportation systems throughout the continent. Temperatures soared above 104 degrees Fahrenheit in several countries, triggering health warnings for millions.

Italy's health ministry placed the 27 cities it monitors under its national heat surveillance system on red alert for the first time this year, indicating a health risk across the entire population. Authorities recommended that residents and tourists stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours, remain indoors when possible, and drink plenty of water.

Tourist attractions adjusted their operating hours, with evening openings extended at landmarks like Rome's Colosseum and Pantheon, and cooling mist fans installed at key locations. Austria recorded the most intense temperatures, with the mercury hitting 106.2 degrees Fahrenheit near the Slovak border on Wednesday, breaking the country's previous record.

The nation is grappling with severe drought, with rainfall from January to June being 27% below average, and some eastern regions receiving only half their normal precipitation. Hungary faced significant challenges as prolonged drought and record-low water levels on the Danube River hampered its only nuclear power plant, which relies on river water for cooling.

The plant's output was reduced to about 10% of normal, prompting emergency conservation measures. Germany also faced concerns over drought's impact on transportation and industry, as water levels on key rivers like the Rhine fell, affecting shipping, industry, and logistics. In southeastern France, firefighters maintained a strong presence near a large wildfire that had burned over 23 square miles, the largest in the region in recent decades.