Today the heatwave in Italy is set to intensify with 13 major cities on red alert. The Health Ministry gave the warning on Monday.
The heatwave gripping Italy is set to intensify on Tuesday with 13 major cities on red alert, the health ministry warned on Monday.
While only six major urban centres on Sunday were on red alert, meaning the heat is so intense it represents a threat for healthy people, their number rose to 11 on Monday and is set to increase to 13 on Tuesday, according to the ministry.
The cities on red alert Monday were Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Milan, Palermo, Perugia and Rieti. The list on Tuesday is expected to include Rome, Turin and Naples while Campobasso will become orange.
Viterbo will also be on red alert on Wednesday while Naples and Palermo will turn yellow – a pre-alert level over a possible heatwave, the ministry added.
In July 2023, there were 16 cities on red alert, with record temperatures predicted for the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
The continuing series of heatwaves has seriously affected Italy’s central and southern regions. Drought conditions are severe in Sicily, Abruzzo and Puglia, among other regions. The Italian Navy brought water to Agrigento last week due to the shortage there.
Other parts of Europe have also issued heat alerts, including Paris where the 2024 Olympics are underway.
What does a red alert mean?
The red alerts mean even healthy people could be at risk from the heat. The Italian government has advised those in the alert areas to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm.
It has also warned people to take particular care of the elderly and the vulnerable.
