Italy is facing a major heatwave, with temperatures set to reach or exceed 40°C in several cities by the end of the week, forecaster Antonio Sanò warned on Wednesday.
Florence, Ferrara and Terni are expected to see highs of 40°C in the shade, while Milan and Rome will reach 39°C. “These maximum temperatures could surpass the historical records set during the 2003 heatwave,” said Sanò, founder of weather website iLMeteo.it.
The heat will be accompanied by “tropical nights,” with minimum temperatures remaining above 20°C. In many areas, particularly in both central and southern Italy, overnight lows will hover around 25°C.
Sanò said the extreme conditions are caused by a dominant anticyclone that will stay over Italy for at least 10 days. The first major heat peak is forecast for Thursday 26 June, followed by a second, even more intense peak on Sunday 29 June. A slight drop in temperatures may follow after Wednesday 2 July.
Forecast Overview:
- Wednesday 25 June:
- North: Sunny with highs up to 38°C
- Centre and South: Sunny and intensely hot
- Thursday 26 June:
- North: Temperatures up to 40°C; risk of violent storms moving from the Alps to the plains
- Centre and South: Sunny and extremely hot
- Friday 27 June:
- All regions: Sun and widespread highs between 39°C and 40°C
The forecast indicates that the heat will intensify further by Sunday, with temperatures reaching exceptional levels across most of the country. Authorities are advising people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, and take extra care of vulnerable groups.
last July, Italy was hit by the Cerberus heatwave with 16 cities on red alert.
