Italy has placed all of its major cities under the highest heat alert on Thursday, as a blistering heatwave grips Europe. The heatwave has set a national temperature record in Austria, fuelled wildfires in France, and disrupted energy and transport systems across the continent. Italy’s Health Ministry placed all 27 cities monitored under its national heat surveillance system on red alert, the first time this year the entire network has been under its highest warning level simultaneously. Scientists and officials warn that extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and intense as the climate warms. Authorities warned that strong winds and exceptionally dry conditions have continued to leave southeastern France at a very high risk of further wildfires.