by InTrieste
An intense heatwave continued to grip Friuli Venezia Giulia on Wednesday, with temperatures approaching or surpassing historical records across much of the region, while forecasters warned that the hottest conditions were not yet over.
Meteorologists said Thursday is expected to bring similarly extreme temperatures before a brief respite arrives between Thursday and Friday. Thunderstorms are forecast to precede a modest cooling trend, with average temperatures expected to drop by about 4 degrees Celsius.
Even with the temporary relief, forecasts indicate temperatures will remain above seasonal averages through at least July 10. Longer-range projections suggest another period of intense heat could follow.
June 29 has already become the hottest day of the month on record for much of the region, according to preliminary data, with mountain areas also experiencing unusually high temperatures. Readings exceeded 30 degrees Celsius at locations below 1,000 meters and topped 20 degrees up to elevations of 2,000 meters.
At the Marinelli mountain refuge, the region’s highest weather station at 2,200 meters above sea level, temperatures reached 21 degrees Celsius. In Trieste, thermometers climbed to 36.5 degrees, while Sgonico on the Karst plateau recorded 38.5 degrees, marking an exceptional value for the area.
Elsewhere, temperatures reached 38 degrees in Udine and Gorizia, while Pordenone recorded 37.5 degrees. Gemona approached 38 degrees, a level never previously recorded there, while Cividale reached 38.5 degrees, also among the highest temperatures measured locally.
The extreme heat has been compounded by high humidity and elevated ozone concentrations, making conditions particularly uncomfortable and increasing health risks.
According to forecasts from the regional environmental agency, ARPA Friuli Venezia Giulia, ozone concentrations are expected to remain above recommended target levels through Wednesday, July 1. Authorities continue to advise residents to ventilate homes during the coolest hours of the day, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the afternoon, and take precautions to reduce exposure to the heat.
The heat is also expected to persist overnight, with minimum temperatures remaining above 25 degrees Celsius, producing so-called “tropical nights” that offer little relief from daytime conditions.
