ROME – An African anticyclone continues to bring high temperatures across Italy, resulting in record daytime heat and tropical nights in urban areas. The Ministry of Health has expanded its maximum heat risk warning, placing eight major cities on “red alert” (bollino rosso) today.
The red alert status now applies to Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Milan, Perugia, Rieti, and Turin. By Sunday, all “green alerts” will disappear from the national monitoring map as the country enters the peak of its second major heatwave of the season.
Meteorological forecasts indicate that the intense heat will persist across the Po Valley until at least the first weekend of July.
- Daytime Maximums: Ranging between 35°C and 37°C.
- Nighttime Minimums: Frequently remaining above 25°C in urban centers.
- Most Affected Regions: Lombardia, Piemonte, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna.
Projections for the remainder of the summer indicate that temperatures nationwide will average 1 to 2 degrees Celsius above historical norms. Meteorologists clarify that this regional weather pattern is driven by subtropical air masses moving north from North Africa, rather than the global effects of El Niño.
Public Health impact
Health authorities say early summer heatwaves carry significant public health risks. Data from the National Research Council (CNR) notes a shifting trend where recent Junes have registered higher temperature anomalies than August. Fabrizio Pregliasco, Director of the School of Specialisation in Hygiene and Preventive Medicine at the University of Milan, detailed the clinical implications:
“Heatwaves represent one of the climate emergencies with the greatest impact on public health. Every year, we observe an increase in mortality and hospitalizations. Particular attention must be paid to individuals suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic, and neurological diseases.”
The Ministry of Health has issued standard safety guidelines to mitigate these risks:
- Avoid direct sun exposure during peak afternoon hours.
- Maintain regular hydration and ensure fresh water is available for pets.
- Utilize air-conditioned environments where possible.
- Monitor vulnerable neighbors, family members, and the elderly.
- Store food properly to prevent rapid spoilage and avoid strenuous physical exercise during the day.
Continental Context and Climate Trends
The extreme weather extends beyond Italy, with heat alerts currently active in the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Spain. In France, local authorities are reviewing whether to modify or cancel scheduled outdoor events for the annual Festa della Musica.
Environmental data highlights a broader upward trend in extreme weather phenomena. Legambiente reported 376 extreme weather events in Italy last year, representing a 5.9% increase compared to 2024.
Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service confirms that global temperatures from the 2023–2025 period are on track to average more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, marking the first three-year period to reach the threshold outlined in the Paris Climate Agreement. Last year, excess mortality attributed to extreme summer heat across Europe was estimated at 16,500 deaths.
