A major heatwave is tightening its grip on Italy, with the number of cities at the highest risk level set to climb from 12 today to 16 by Wednesday as temperatures reach 39°C across the country.
Twelve Italian cities are on red alert on Monday, up from the eight forecast earlier, according to the Ministry of Health’s daily heatwave bulletin, which monitors conditions across 27 urban centres.
The cities currently at red alert are Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Frosinone, Milan, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin and Verona. Venice, Viterbo and Ancona will join them on Tuesday, bringing the total to 15, with Latina added to the list on Wednesday to bring the number to 16.
A Level 3 red alert is issued when intense heat and bioclimatic discomfort persist over consecutive days, creating health risks for the entire population not only for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and those with chronic conditions.
Temperatures and Duration
The heatwave, which is affecting much of Central and Western Europe simultaneously, is expected to persist at least until the end of June, according to iLMeteo.it meteorologist Mattia Gussoni. Temperatures are peaking at 39°C in many parts of the country during the hottest hours of the day.
Italy’s largest cities — Milan, Florence and Rome — are among the worst affected, Gussoni noted, due to the urban heat island (UHI) effect, whereby dense urban infrastructure absorbs and retains heat, pushing temperatures significantly above those in surrounding rural areas.
Particularly concerning is the absence of night-time relief. Temperatures are struggling to fall below 24–25°C after dark, producing what meteorologists classify as “tropical nights” — and in some cases “super tropical nights” — conditions that prevent the body from recovering from daytime heat stress and make sleep extremely difficult. Sustained night-time warmth significantly increases the health risk associated with prolonged heatwaves, particularly for elderly people and those with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.
Health Advice
Italy’s health authorities are urging the public to avoid outdoor exposure during the hottest hours of the day, typically from late morning into early evening; stay hydrated throughout the day even without feeling thirsty; seek air-conditioned or shaded environments; never leave children or pets in parked vehicles; and pay particular attention to elderly relatives and those with existing medical conditions.
The Ministry of Health updates its heatwave bulletin daily. Anyone concerned about a vulnerable person can contact the dedicated green number: 1500.
