by InTrieste
Italy’s Ministry of Health has placed Trieste and 17 other cities under a maximum-level heat alert today as an intense heatwave continues to affect much of the country.
The Level 3 red alert — known locally as bollino rosso — signals emergency conditions with potential health risks for vulnerable populations including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The warning also extends to healthy and active individuals, as extreme heat can pose widespread risks.
Trieste has been under red alert since Tuesday, July 1, along with major urban centers such as Milan, Rome, Florence, Bologna, and Palermo. The number of affected cities increased from 17 to 18 today with the addition of Campobasso, as forecast models indicate the high temperatures will likely persist through the end of the week.
Local health authorities in Trieste have advised residents to limit outdoor activities during midday hours, drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, eat light meals, and take extra precautions to store medications properly. Public services remain operational, but some adjustments — such as additional cooling stations and revised working hours for outdoor laborers — are being considered if the heat continues.
Meteorologists point to ongoing climate trends, noting that central and southern Italy have seen increasingly frequent and intense heat events in recent decades. Rome, in particular, has been identified as the Italian city most impacted by rising temperatures over the past 50 years.
For Trieste, where the Adriatic breeze often moderates summer heat, this week’s persistent high temperatures are unusual. Public health officials are monitoring the situation closely, especially in hospitals, care homes, and other facilities with vulnerable populations.
The Ministry of Health continues to publish daily bulletins and guidelines to help cities respond effectively to heat-related risks.
