ROME, Italy – A prolonged heat wave intensified across Europe on Thursday, prompting Italy to place every major city under its highest heat warning while record temperatures, drought and wildfire threats disrupted daily life, energy production and transportation across the continent.
Temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in several countries as authorities issued health warnings affecting millions of residents and tourists. Scientists and public officials have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of extreme heat events.
The latest heat wave has placed growing pressure on healthcare services, electricity generation, inland waterways, transportation networks and tourism, underscoring the challenges European countries face as extreme weather becomes more common.
Italy Places All Major Cities Under Red Alert
Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities monitored under its national heat surveillance system on red alert, marking the first time this year that every monitored city has simultaneously reached the highest warning level.
The alerts cover cities from Trieste in northeastern Italy to Palermo in Sicily and indicate that extreme heat poses health risks to the general population, not only vulnerable groups such as older adults, children and people with chronic illnesses.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay well hydrated.
To reduce daytime exposure, cultural authorities extended evening opening hours at major tourist attractions, including Rome’s Colosseum and the Pantheon.
Rome Expands Emergency Cooling Measures
Municipal authorities introduced additional measures to help residents and visitors cope with the heat.
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Cooling mist systems were installed at entrances to the Colosseum, while additional emergency medical stations were deployed nearby.
The city also expanded access to its free municipal “urban beach” at Tiberis along the Tiber River in the Marconi district. The recreational area offers swimming pools, drinking fountains and shaded spaces where families can escape the extreme temperatures.
Central Europe Records Historic Heat and Drought
Slovakia set a new national temperature record after thermometers reached 42.2 degrees Celsius (108 degrees Fahrenheit) in Dolné Plachtince, according to the Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute.
Exceptionally low water levels on the Danube River forced Slovakia’s largest hydroelectric power station at Gabčíkovo to shut down seven of its eight turbines, significantly reducing electricity production. The TASR news agency reported the facility has generated about 15% less electricity this year than during the same period in 2025.
The Slovak Academy of Sciences said July recorded the lowest Danube river flow ever measured.
Austria also registered its highest recorded temperature after readings reached 41.2 degrees Celsius (106.2 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bad Deutsch-Altenburg near the Slovak border, according to GeoSphere Austria.
The country is experiencing severe drought, with rainfall from Jan. 1 through June 30 measuring 27% below the long-term average. Some eastern regions received only about half of their normal precipitation. Climatologist Alexander Orlik said parts of Austria had not experienced such dry conditions since 1885.
Energy and Transportation Systems Under Pressure
The prolonged drought has significantly affected energy production in several countries.
In Hungary, exceptionally low Danube water levels forced the country’s only nuclear power plant to reduce electricity generation to about 10% of its normal capacity because of limited cooling water availability.
The government responded by introducing emergency electricity conservation measures.
Authorities asked households and major industrial consumers to reduce electricity use during evening peak hours. Freight train operations were suspended between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m., decorative lighting on prominent landmarks in Budapest was switched off, and several major manufacturers—including Mol, Gedeon Richter, Suzuki, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW—announced plans to reduce electricity consumption.
The government also canceled parliamentary sessions during the week as part of broader energy-saving efforts.
Budapest recorded its warmest overnight temperature on record Wednesday, with temperatures falling only to 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit).
Germany also faced growing concerns over falling water levels on the Rhine River, where Transport Minister Steffen Bilger warned that reduced river depths threatened inland shipping, industrial supply chains and freight transportation.
Environmental organization BUND called for stronger long-term measures to improve river resilience through enhanced water retention and reduced withdrawals during droughts.
Wildfire Risk Remains Elevated
Wildfire danger remained high across several parts of Europe.
In southeastern France, firefighters continued monitoring a major wildfire in the Var region after authorities said the blaze had stopped spreading but could reignite under hot, dry and windy conditions.
The fire has burned more than 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) since July 20, making it the region’s largest wildfire in decades.
In England, although temperatures moderated, the effects of the country’s driest July on record persisted after a grass fire temporarily forced the closure of Heathrow Airport’s southern runway on Thursday.
Across the Balkans, firefighters battled multiple wildfires as temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius.
Emergency crews responded to fires west of Belgrade and near Kraljevo in Serbia, while tourists in Croatia’s coastal city of Dubrovnik sought shelter during the hottest part of the day.
Authorities across Europe continue to monitor public health, electricity demand, water supplies and wildfire conditions as forecasters warn that extreme temperatures are expected to persist in many regions.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
