Europe is facing an intense heatwave, with temperatures in several countries crossing 40°C and triggering widespread disruption to daily life and key services.
Authorities say the extreme conditions are affecting public health, electricity generation, transport networks and the tourism sector across the region.
In Italy, all 27 major cities monitored by the national heat surveillance system were placed under a red alert at the same time for the first time this year. In Rome, the city has set up an urban beach and installed mist fans to help residents cope.
Austria recorded 41.2°C and Slovakia 42.2°C, both described as new peaks. Severe drought has lowered water levels in the Danube, leading to reduced output at hydropower and nuclear power stations.
In Germany, falling river levels have disrupted inland waterway transport. France and Balkan countries are also battling spreading wildfires, with firefighters struggling to contain the blazes.
