Italy heatwave persists with high temperatures expected through early September

Italy is experiencing a prolonged heatwave, marking the sixth major wave of the 2026 summer season. While the Ministry of Health reported that red alerts (level 3) were decreasing—with Bari being a primary focus of high-risk warnings—extreme temperatures continue to affect much of the peninsula.

Forecasts indicate that the African anticyclone will maintain high temperatures through the first weekend of September, with some cities facing orange alerts (level 2) for heatwaves. Temperatures in various regions are expected to remain significantly above seasonal averages, with some areas seeing peaks near or above 38°C.

A significant meteorological shift is anticipated starting Wednesday, September 9. Cold air from the North Atlantic is expected to move southward, potentially causing a sharp drop in temperatures and bringing more unstable weather, including rain and thunderstorms, to the Mediterranean region.