Europe heat wave puts Italian cities on red alert

Italy placed all 27 major cities monitored by its Health Ministry under red alert on Thursday, the first time the country has put every major city on its highest heat warning at once. Temperatures climbed above 40 degrees Celsius in several parts of Europe as the heat wave spread across the continent. Austria set a national temperature record on Wednesday, while France battled wildfires and officials in Central Europe warned of pressure on power, transport and water systems. ### Why did Italy put every major city on red alert? Italy's Health Ministry issued the maximum heat alert for all 27 cities in its monitoring system for Thursday, August 6. The ministry uses the red alert to signal conditions that pose health risks not only to older people and those with illnesses, but also to healthy and active people. (abcnews.com) ANSA said it was the first time all 27 cities in the system had been placed on red alert on the same day. Reuters reported earlier this week that Italy was entering its fourth heat wave of the summer, with 25 cities already at the highest warning level before the final two joined them for Thursday. (ansa.it) ### What happened in Austria? Austria recorded its hottest day on record on Wednesday, August 5, according to multiple reports. The Associated Press said the new national mark was set as Central Europe endured another stretch of extreme temperatures, with Slovakia also reporting record heat. Reuters reported that the heat wave and drought were also affecting neighboring countries, prompting Hungarian authorities to ask residents to cut electricity use. (ansa.it) That report said the strain was showing up in power demand and other public systems as the heat moved across central and southern Europe. ### Which other parts of Europe were hit? (apnews.com) France faced wildfires as temperatures remained high, while officials elsewhere in Europe reported drought-related disruption to transport and energy systems. The Associated Press said the heat wave was affecting health, transport and infrastructure across the continent. Hungary dimmed lights at some well-known buildings to save energy, according to Reuters, and authorities in other countries issued warnings tied to water use and extreme heat exposure. (msn.com) ABC News, citing the AP report it carried, said the broader emergency stretched beyond Italy into neighboring countries dealing with fire risk, drought and grid pressure. (abcnews.com) ### What does a red alert mean for people in Italy? Italy's red alert is a public health warning tied to the risk of heat-related illness. The Health Ministry's city bulletins are used to warn residents and visitors when conditions are severe enough to threaten a wider share of the population, not just vulnerable groups. (msn.com) Temperatures above 40C were reported in several countries, and health authorities urged people to limit exposure during the hottest hours, stay hydrated and check on older relatives and neighbors. Those warnings came as tourist season remained in full swing across Italy and the Mediterranean. ### What should readers watch next? Italy's next official updates are expected through the Health Ministry's daily heat bulletin for the 27 monitored cities. (ansa.it) Across Europe, authorities are also tracking whether the heat wave shifts farther east after the record temperatures reported in Austria and Slovakia on August 5. (abcnews.com)