Italy placed all major cities on the highest health alert, with the Ministry of Health issuing a red alert stretching from Palermo in the south to Bolzano in the north.

Meanwhile, Austria recorded record-breaking temperatures peaking at 41.2°C on Wednesday, and the Italian region of Piedmont declared a state of emergency due to severe drought and wildfire risks as local river levels hit historic lows.

Hungary takes energy conservation measures

As the intense heat shifted eastward from France and Spain, Hungary took drastic energy conservation steps by turning off non-essential overnight lighting at iconic landmarks, including parliament, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge.

The country was also forced to largely shut down its sole nuclear power plant after the Danube River—used for cooling—dropped to record lows, stretching national electricity supplies to their limits.