interviews by Nina Vaclavikova
Friuli Venezia Giulia is set to experience some of the most intense heat of the summer on Thursday, as Trieste joins every other city monitored by Italy’s Health Ministry under the country’s highest heat warning.
The ministry has issued a Level 3 “red alert” for all 27 cities included in its national heatwave surveillance system on Thursday, Aug. 6, marking the first time this summer that the entire monitored network has been placed under the maximum warning simultaneously.
A red alert indicates emergency conditions in which extreme temperatures can pose health risks not only to older adults, children and people with chronic illnesses, but also to healthy and active individuals.
The nationwide warning comes as the fourth major heatwave of the summer intensifies under the influence of a strengthened African anticyclone. On Wednesday, 25 of the 27 monitored cities were already under the highest alert, with Messina and Reggio Calabria expected to join the list on Thursday.
While some of Italy’s highest temperatures are forecast in the central and northern plains—including parts of Emilia-Romagna, where highs of 39–40 degrees Celsius are possible—Friuli Venezia Giulia is also expected to endure exceptionally hot and humid conditions. In Trieste, elevated temperatures combined with high humidity are likely to increase heat stress, particularly in urban areas.
Meteorologists say the current event is less a brief spike than a prolonged period of sustained heat. Experts have described the situation as a plateau of persistently high temperatures rather than a single-day peak.
A gradual easing of conditions is expected beginning Friday, Aug. 7, although temperatures are likely to remain above seasonal averages in many parts of the country.
Health authorities are urging residents and visitors in Friuli Venezia Giulia to limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day, generally between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., remain well hydrated, wear lightweight clothing and eat light meals rich in fruit and vegetables. They also advise avoiding alcohol and excessive caffeine and never leaving children or pets unattended in parked vehicles.
Italy’s Health Ministry has also activated its 1500 telephone helpline, available daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., to provide advice on managing heat-related risks and information about available health and social services.
