Italy puts almost all major cities on top heat-alert as temperatures soar
Italy will place nearly every large city under its highest heat-alert level from August 3, with temperatures expected to climb into the high 30s Celsius.
A fresh heatwave sweeping Europe has prompted Italy to issue its strongest heat-alert for almost all of its major urban areas beginning August 3. The health ministry said that 25 of the 27 key cities will be placed on the highest alert, with only Reggio Calabria in the south and Messina in Sicily excluded. The warning follows the arrival of the heatwave in Italy on August 1 after it battered western and central Europe.
Rome, Milan and 17 additional cities were already upgraded to the top alert level on August 1. Under this tier, authorities caution that the weather may pose health risks to the general population, not solely the elderly, children or those with chronic illnesses. Temperatures are forecast to reach the high 30s Celsius on the day the alert takes effect.
Why it matters
Extreme heat can strain public health systems and daily life across Italy's densely populated cities.
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