Italy faces extreme heatwave with temperatures up to 45°C FAST-MOVING

heatwave extreme weather African anticyclone health alert Italy weather

Italy is experiencing its fifth major heatwave of the 2026 summer season, driven by a powerful African anticyclone. The extreme weather event is expected to peak between Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29, with temperatures in Southern and Central Italy rising significantly above seasonal averages.

In Sicily, temperatures could reach between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius, potentially approaching European records. Other regions, including Puglia, Calabria, and Sardinia, are also bracing for extreme heat, with Sardinia facing 'super-tropical' nights where temperatures remain above 25 degrees Celsius. The Ministry of Health has issued level 3 red alerts for several cities, including Rome, Bari, Cagliari, Campobasso, Catania, Latina, Messina, Palermo, and Reggio Calabria.

In contrast to the intense heat in the South, Northern Italy is expected to see a decline in temperatures accompanied by unsettled weather, including risks of thunderstorms, hail, and heavy rain. To manage the heat, health experts advise against using air conditioning at excessively low temperatures during the night to avoid sleep disruption, and recommend limiting alcohol consumption to maintain sleep quality during tropical nights.

Entities

Civil Protection · Italy · Lorenzo Tedici · Luigi Ferini-Strambi · Ministry of Health · Sicily · iLMeteo.it

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Temperatures in eastern Sicily could reach between 44 and 45 degrees Celsius. www.mediapress24.it · canaledieci.it · www.spotandweb.it
[● 7 SOURCES] The peak of the heatwave is expected between Friday, August 28, and Saturday, August 29. ameve.eu · www.informacalabria.it · www.mediapress24.it · goldtv.it · canaledieci.it · +2 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Sardinia is expected to see highs of 44 degrees Celsius with nighttime lows remaining above 25 degrees. www.mediapress24.it · canaledieci.it · www.spotandweb.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] Nine cities, including Rome, Bari, and Cagliari, are expected to be under level 3 red alert on Friday. goldtv.it
[● 2 SOURCES] Northern Italy will experience a decline in temperatures and potential storms, including risks of hail and heavy rain. ameve.eu · it.euronews.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Neurologist Luigi Ferini-Strambi advises against setting air conditioning to excessively low temperatures during the night. www.cagliarilivetv.it · www.lospecialegiornale.it
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Ministry of Health issued a level 3 red alert for Campobasso and Palermo on Thursday, August 27. goldtv.it
[● 6 SOURCES] Italy has entered its fifth heatwave of the 2026 summer season. www.cagliarilivetv.it · www.informacalabria.it · www.mediapress24.it · canaledieci.it · www.quotidianodelsud.it · +1 more