by InTrieste
Much of Italy is facing an intense early-summer heatwave this week, prompting health authorities to issue their highest-level heat warnings across a growing number of cities as temperatures approach 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit).
Italy’s Health Ministry placed 15 cities under a Level 3, or red, alert on Wednesday, warning of conditions that could pose health risks not only to vulnerable populations but also to healthy adults. The number of cities under the maximum alert is expected to rise to 17 on Thursday.
Among the cities under red alert on Wednesday are Trieste, Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Turin, Bologna and Verona, along with several others across central and northern Italy. Authorities said the list would expand on Thursday with the addition of Latina and on Thursday with Bari.
The heatwave is being fueled by an African high-pressure system that meteorologists have dubbed “Cerberus.” The system has brought persistently high temperatures and limited cooling overnight, creating conditions that can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
In the Po Valley, one of Italy’s hottest regions during the summer, daytime temperatures have climbed to between 37 and 38 degrees Celsius, with some areas recording even higher readings. Forecasts indicate that temperatures in Turin could reach 39 degrees Celsius, while Rome and Naples are expected to remain below 36 degrees Celsius.
Nighttime temperatures have offered little relief. In many areas, lows have remained above 24 degrees Celsius, creating what meteorologists describe as “tropical nights,” when the body has fewer opportunities to recover from daytime heat.
Some weather experts have compared the current conditions to those experienced during Europe’s devastating 2003 heatwave, though it remains unclear whether this year’s temperatures will reach similar extremes. Forecasts suggest that unusually hot conditions could persist into early July.
Italy’s Health Ministry monitors heat conditions in 27 urban centers and publishes daily bulletins. While most of the country’s largest cities are under heightened warnings, several others, including Naples, Palermo, Genoa and Cagliari, remain under lower-level alerts.
Health officials have urged residents and visitors to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated, eat light meals and ensure that medications are stored at appropriate temperatures. Authorities have also reiterated warnings against leaving children or animals in parked vehicles.
To assist the public, Italy operates a free health hotline, 1500, providing information on heat-related health risks and available support services.
