by InTrieste
Trieste is one of 17 Italian cities placed under a maximum red alert by the health ministry this weekend, as an intense heatwave continues to grip the country. Temperatures in the city and surrounding areas are expected to soar, with forecasts suggesting the 40-degree Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) threshold could be approached or exceeded in parts of the region.
The red alert, the highest of Italy’s three-level warning system, indicates emergency conditions that pose health risks not only to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing medical conditions, but also to the general population.
The alert for Trieste is in effect on Saturday, June 28, and will remain in place on Sunday, when the number of cities on red alert nationwide increases from 17 to 21. The health ministry’s daily heatwave bulletin is updated regularly to reflect evolving conditions.
While coastal breezes may offer some relief, meteorologists warn that urban heat and humidity could exacerbate discomfort, particularly during the afternoon hours. Local health officials are urging residents to avoid outdoor activity during peak sunlight, stay hydrated, and check on at-risk neighbors.
Public services in Trieste, including hospitals and emergency responders, have been placed on heightened alert, and cooling centers may be activated if temperatures continue to climb. Authorities are also encouraging the use of public transportation and limiting car use to reduce heat-trapping emissions in the city center.
The heatwave is part of a broader weather pattern affecting much of central and northern Italy, driven by a high-pressure system over the Mediterranean. Meteorologists from iLMeteo.it and other forecasting services warn that inland areas, particularly in Tuscany, Lazio, and the Po Valley, may experience the most extreme temperatures.
This latest wave of extreme heat follows a trend of increasingly frequent and intense summer weather events across southern Europe, raising concerns about public health and the need for long-term adaptation strategies.
For now, residents of Trieste are being advised to take precautions, remain indoors during the hottest hours of the day, and follow guidance from local authorities.
