interviews by Nastassja Martin
Italy is preparing for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could reach 41°C (106°F) in the coming days as a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa strengthens over the Mediterranean. Nineteen Italian cities are expected to be placed on red alert on Saturday, signaling the highest level of heat risk.
After a brief respite marked by thunderstorms in recent days, the heat has returned across Friuli Venezia Giulia. Trieste entered an orange heat alert on Friday, according to Italy’s Health Ministry, joining Venice and Verona as one of only three provincial capitals under the second-highest warning level. On Sunday, Trieste is expected to move to a red alert, with perceived temperatures forecast to reach 36°C (97°F).
The latest hot spell follows earlier heatwaves in late May, mid-June and mid-July. Inland areas of northern and central Italy are forecast to experience the highest temperatures, with highs of 40°C (104°F) expected over the weekend. In downtown Trieste, residents sought shade and cooler spaces as they coped with the rising temperatures.
