Six Italian Cities on Red Alert as Heatwave Nears Peak

Rome: Six Italian cities – Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Perugia, and Turin – were on red alert on Thursday as the country grapples with a severe heatwave expected to peak over the weekend. The red alert indicates that the heat poses a threat not only to vulnerable groups but also to healthy individuals.

According to Ansa News Agency, the number of cities under the maximum red alert is projected to increase to 13 by Friday, as reported by the health ministry. Meteorologist Antonio San² predicts that on Sunday, temperatures in Florence, Ferrara, and Terni will soar to 40°C in the shade. Meanwhile, Milan and Rome are expected to experience temperatures of 39°C.

San², founder of the weather website www.iLMeteo.it, noted that maximum temperatures might surpass historical records set during the infamous heatwave of 2003, coupled with tropical nights where minimum temperatures remain above 20°C. The forecast indicates widespread minimum temperatures of 25°C and maximum temperatures of 40°C across both the South and Center-North of Italy.

The prevailing anticyclone is expected to persist for at least 10 days, with an initial peak on Thursday 26, followed by a more extreme peak on Sunday 29 June. A slight dip in temperatures is anticipated after Wednesday 2 July, San² emphasized.