Italy Places All Major Cities on Red Alert as Europe Heat Wave Intensifies

Europe Heat Wave Intensifies as Italy Puts All Major Cities on Red Alert

A severe heat wave sweeping across Europe has pushed temperatures beyond 40°C in several countries, prompting Italy to place all major cities under its highest heat alert, while record temperatures, wildfires and disruptions to energy and transport systems spread across the continent.

Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities monitored under its national heat surveillance system on red alert on Thursday — the first time this year that the entire network has simultaneously reached the highest warning level. The alert covers cities from Trieste in the northeast to Palermo in Sicily and indicates a health risk for the entire population, not just vulnerable groups.

Authorities advised residents and tourists to avoid direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours, stay hydrated and remain indoors whenever possible.

Italy prepares for extreme heat

The heat emergency has forced authorities to adapt across Italy, particularly in major tourist destinations. The ministries of tourism and culture extended evening opening hours at landmarks such as Rome’s Colosseum and Pantheon to help visitors avoid daytime exposure.

Cooling mist systems were installed at the Colosseum, while additional medical stations were set up to assist tourists affected by the extreme temperatures.

Rome also introduced a temporary “urban beach” along the Tiber River in the Marconi district, offering residents access to shaded areas, pools and water facilities.

“It is excellent, it is a great initiative. Especially with such hot days, it is important to cool down with water, especially for children,” Rome resident Claudio Rocchi said.

• Records broken across Europe
• The heat wave has set new temperature records in several European countries.

Austria recorded its highest-ever temperature, with 41.2°C measured in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border, according to GeoSphere Austria. The country is also facing severe drought, with nationwide rainfall between January and June remaining significantly below the long-term average.

Climate experts warned that some regions have experienced their driest conditions in more than a century.

Slovakia also recorded a national temperature record, with temperatures reaching 42.2°C in Dolne Plachtince. Low water levels on the Danube River have affected the country’s largest hydroelectric facility, forcing the shutdown of several turbines.

Energy systems under pressure

In Hungary, record heat and drought have severely affected the country’s only nuclear power plant, which depends on river water for cooling operations.

Falling Danube water levels forced operators to reduce the plant’s output to around 10% of normal capacity. The government introduced emergency conservation measures, asking industries and households to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours.

Several major companies, including automakers and energy firms, announced plans to cut power use, while freight trains were restricted during high-demand periods. Decorative lighting on Budapest landmarks was also switched off as authorities attempted to conserve electricity.

Germany faced similar concerns as falling water levels on the Rhine threatened shipping, industry and supply chains. Officials warned that reduced river capacity could create challenges for inland transport and logistics.

• Wildfires spread as drought worsens
• The extreme heat has also increased wildfire risks across Europe.

In southeastern France, firefighters continued monitoring a major blaze in the Var region that has burned more than 60 square kilometres. Although authorities said the fire was no longer spreading rapidly, dry conditions and strong winds kept the risk of renewed outbreaks high.

Serbia has also battled multiple wildfires following prolonged dry weather, with fires affecting forest areas near Belgrade and Kraljevo.

In Croatia, tourists along the Adriatic coast, including in Dubrovnik, sought shelter from the intense heat as temperatures climbed close to 40°C.

Climate concerns grow

Scientists and officials say the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events are consistent with the effects of a warming climate.

The current heat wave has exposed vulnerabilities in healthcare systems, tourism infrastructure, transport networks and energy supplies, highlighting the challenges European countries face as extreme weather events become more common.

With temperatures expected to remain high across parts of the continent, authorities continue to urge caution, especially among elderly people, children and those with existing health conditions.