In Italy, all 27 major cities are bracing for scorching temperatures as the country faces its fourth heatwave of the summer, with forecasts predicting highs of 39C. This will be the first time in the current year that every city monitored by Italy’s Health Ministry heat surveillance system will be under the highest red alert.
As of Wednesday, 25 cities were already on red alert, with two more cities expected to join on Thursday. Red alerts are issued when prolonged extreme heat poses a risk to the entire population, leading to potential heat-related emergencies rather than just impacting vulnerable groups.
Residents have been advised to take precautions such as avoiding direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm, staying indoors when possible, and staying hydrated by consuming at least 1.5 liters of water daily. Health officials are also recommending against consuming fizzy drinks, coffee, alcohol, and heavy meals, suggesting wearing light clothing, and emphasizing the dangers of leaving children or pets unattended in parked cars.
The ongoing heatwave, which shows no signs of relenting for at least a week, has sadly resulted in four deaths, including a 19-year-old tomato picker and a 40-year-old carpenter in Lombardy, with a security guard in Bologna also believed to have succumbed to a heat-related illness.
Furthermore, the prolonged hot weather has exacerbated drought conditions in the Po Valley, with over 100 towns in Piedmont and Lombardy facing water shortages and needing assistance from tanker trucks for supplies. Farmers are reporting reduced crop yields, accelerated grape ripening, and a drop in milk production as dairy cows consume less feed in the intense heat.
To provide relief, authorities in Rome are offering free entry to air-conditioned cinemas and cultural venues, while extending evening opening hours at historical sites like the Colosseum and Pantheon. However, forecasters predict little respite from the heat until the following week.
Experts point out that these heatwaves, which are more severe and lasting longer than usual, are linked to human-induced climate change, with Europe experiencing more than double the global average warming since the 1980s according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization.