by InTrieste
Italy entered its fourth major heat wave of the summer on Thursday, as a subtropical high-pressure system drove temperatures as high as 41 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Fahrenheit) across parts of the country, prompting health officials to expand heat warnings.
Italy’s Ministry of Health placed 16 cities under an orange alert, the second-highest warning level, indicating conditions that pose significant health risks, particularly for older adults, young children and people with chronic illnesses. The cities include Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Cagliari, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Rome, Turin, Venice and Verona.
Three cities — Campobasso, Perugia and Rieti — were placed under the highest, red-alert level, signaling that prolonged extreme heat could pose a risk to the broader population, including healthy individuals. The ministry issues daily forecasts for 27 cities between May and September as part of its national heat-health warning system.
While no cities in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia are currently under official heat alerts, temperatures there are expected to climb on Thursday, bringing hot and humid conditions. Forecasters say highs across parts of the region could reach around 35 degrees Celsius, with residents advised to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day.
The latest heat wave comes as much of southern Europe contends with unusually high temperatures and an elevated risk of wildfires. European Union emergency officials have warned that persistent heat, dry conditions and strong winds are increasing the likelihood of fires spreading eastward toward Italy and Greece following destructive blazes in Spain and France.
Italian health authorities have urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours and check on elderly relatives, neighbors and other vulnerable people. The Ministry of Health updates its heat bulletins daily as weather conditions evolve.
