The ongoing heat wave is affecting almost all major Italian cities, prompting red heat alerts across the country. Today, July 19, marks the peak of the most intense temperatures, with 23 Italian cities receiving red weather warnings for extreme heat, signalling a threat to all people, not just vulnerable groups.
Wildfires are ravaging parts of Europe, including the Swiss Alps and Greece, in addition to heat warnings. Climate experts attribute the heat wave to a high-pressure system that trapped warmer tropical air over central Europe.
How hot is it in Italy?
For multiple days, temperatures have surged above 40°C (104°F) across most of the country, causing a severe heatwave referred to as the “settimana infernale” or “week of hell” by Italian media.
BBC Weather forecasts that the Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily will encounter the highest temperatures in Europe, with expected highs reaching around 46°C or 47°C this week.
Which cities in Italy have issued red alert?
Most of the country’s main cities are now on a red alert.
On Tuesday (July 18) Ancona, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Cagliari, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Messina, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Trieste, Venice, Verona, and Viterbo were all placed on red alert.
On Wednesday, July 19, the list included Bari, Catania, Civitavecchia, and Turin.
Is it safe to travel to Italy?
While there are no official travel restrictions to Italy, tourists are warned to prepare for the heat wave. Some regions have banned single-use plastics, urging people to bring reusable water bottles to top up. Certain popular attractions have temporarily closed to ensure the safety of tourists, such as the Acropolis of Athens.
The Italian authorities may restrict access to historical monuments during the hottest part of the day. Heat risks include dehydration and overheating, posing a greater threat to vulnerable groups such as the older people, infants, and people with heart and respiratory conditions.
Health alerts advise everyone to avoid direct sunlight between the hours of 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., regardless of health status.
Keep Reading
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