Record-breaking heatwave strikes central and southern Europe

A severe heatwave continues to grip Europe as record-breaking temperatures shift toward the east. On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, the Austrian town of Bad Deutsch-Altenburg recorded a new national high of 41.2 degrees Celsius. Italy has responded by issuing a red health alert across all its major cities, ranging from Palermo in the south to Bolzano in the north, warning of serious health risks for the general population. In response to the extreme conditions, Rome has implemented relief schemes, while officials in Genoa are offering citizens aged 65 and over free access to museums and libraries during peak heat hours throughout August.

Energy conservation measures have been adopted in Hungary, where the government has turned off lighting at several prominent buildings to alleviate power demand. Meanwhile, in Albania, emergency crews are actively combating a wildfire in the Mallakaster region. To protect attendees from the extreme weather, the Vatican relocated Pope Leo’s first weekly general audience post-July break from St. Peter’s Square to an indoor location. Scientists and officials continue to describe Europe as the fastest-warming continent, noting that the current heatwave follows intense wildfire activity and record temperatures in France and Spain earlier this summer.