Italy issues highest heat advisory as Europe faces record temperatures

Key Points:

• Italy has placed all 27 major cities under the highest heat alert as a severe heat wave pushes temperatures above 40°C (104°F), posing health risks to the entire population and prompting public advisories to avoid direct sunlight and stay hydrated.
• Austria recorded its highest temperature ever at 41.2°C (106.2°F) amid severe drought conditions, with rainfall significantly below average and some regions experiencing dryness not seen since 1885.
• Hungary's nuclear power plant has reduced output to 10% due to low Danube River water levels from drought, leading the government to impose emergency electricity conservation measures, including restrictions on industrial use and public lighting.
• Germany faces challenges from shrinking river levels affecting inland shipping and industry, with calls from environmental groups to improve river resilience by retaining more water and reducing withdrawals during droughts.
• Southeastern France and the Balkans are battling extensive wildfires fueled by dry conditions and high temperatures, with France's Var region experiencing its largest recent wildfire and Serbia and Croatia facing multiple fires and heat-related disruptions.