by InTrieste
An African anticyclone is expected to bring some of the hottest weather of the summer before cooler air arrives this weekend.
Italy is preparing for its fifth major heatwave of the summer, as a powerful high-pressure system moving north from Africa is set to drive temperatures well above seasonal averages across much of the country through Friday.
Meteorologists say the so-called heat dome—a broad area of high pressure that traps and compresses warm air near the ground—will first affect southern Italy before expanding into central regions, including Lazio and the Adriatic coast.
On Wednesday, temperatures reached 37–38°C in parts of the south and 35–36°C across central Italy. Inland Sicily recorded one of the highest readings of the day, with 42°C in Caltanissetta.
The most intense heat is expected on Thursday and Friday, when several southern areas could exceed 40°C. Forecasters predict highs of up to 42°C in parts of Puglia, particularly around Foggia, while Cagliari and Reggio Calabria are expected to approach 41°C. In Rome and Florence, temperatures are forecast to reach around 38°C.
While southern Italy is expected to exceed 40°C, cities in Friuli Venezia Giulia will also see intense heat, with inland areas forecast to reach 35–37°C and high humidity making conditions feel even warmer. Coastal areas, including Trieste, are expected to remain slightly cooler but still experience uncomfortable heat.
Red alerts issued in several cities
Italy’s Health Ministry has issued its highest-level red heat alert for Campobasso and Palermo on Thursday, warning that extreme temperatures pose health risks to the entire population—not only vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
An additional 11 cities are under orange alert, including Rome, Florence, Bari, Cagliari, Catania, Ancona, Perugia and Reggio Calabria.
By Friday, the number of cities on red alert is expected to rise to 11, with Rome, Cagliari, Catania, Latina, Messina and Reggio Calabria joining Campobasso and Palermo.
According to meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici of the forecasting service iLMeteo.it, the current episode is likely to be short but exceptionally intense, and could become the strongest heatwave of the season for parts of central and southern Italy.
The heat will also increase the risk of severe weather elsewhere. Thunderstorms are forecast across parts of northern and central Italy later this week, with a stronger system expected to reach the Alps and the Po Valley on Friday, bringing the possibility of heavy rain, strong winds and localized flooding.
Relief is expected to arrive over the weekend, as cooler air gradually lowers temperatures across northern and central Italy. Southern regions are likely to see more significant cooling early next week.
