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Extreme heatwave hits Southern Europe as African anticyclone forms Heat Dome
A powerful African anticyclone is driving a significant heatwave across Southern Europe, specifically impacting Italy and the Maghreb region. Meteorologists describe the phenomenon as a massive 'Heat Dome' with a geopotential reaching 6,000 meters at 500 hPa, capable of trapping extreme heat near the ground. This event is identified as the fifth major heatwave of the 2026 summer season.
In Italy, temperatures are expected to soar, with peaks between 40°C and 45°C in regions such as Sicily, Sardinia, Calabria, and Puglia. Some areas may see temperatures as high as 44°C. The heat is accompanied by rising humidity along coastal areas and the potential transport of Saharan dust. In Sardinia, an orange alert has been issued, with temperatures expected to remain high even at night. In Molise, an orange alert for bioclimatic discomfort has also been declared.
Conversely, Northern Italy is expected to experience a different weather pattern, characterized by storms and lower temperatures due to Atlantic disturbances. In Croatia, a yellow alert has been issued for potential intense thunderstorms and heavy rain. Experts suggest that while the heatwave may not be long-lasting, the intense thermal conditions will persist in the south until at least the first weekend of September.
Entities
African anticyclone · Croatia · Foggia · Guido Guidi · Italy · Lorenzo Tedici · Maghreb · Molise · North Africa · Protezione Civile · Sahara desert · Sardinia
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Molise has been placed under an orange alert for bioclimatic discomfort. www.opmolise.it
- [● 9 SOURCES] Temperatures in Sicily and Foggia could reach 46°C between August 27 and 28. ameve.eu · www.adnkronos.com · cefalunews.org · www.egnews.it · www.forchecaudine.com · +4 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] An African anticyclone is expected to cause a fifth heatwave in Italy during 2026. www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.inliberta.it · +7 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] Puglia is under an orange alert due to high temperatures. www.statoquotidiano.it · www.opmolise.it · actualite.lachainemeteo.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] A Heat Dome is expected to form, with a geopotential reaching 6,000 meters at 500 hPa. www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.inliberta.it · +7 more
- [● 13 SOURCES] Northern Italy is expected to experience storms and lower temperatures. www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.inliberta.it · +7 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The heatwave will be accompanied by the transport of Saharan dust across Italy. askanews.it · actualite.lachainemeteo.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] Temperatures at 1,500 meters altitude are expected to reach at least 30°C. www.adnkronos.com · www.forchecaudine.com · www.lospecialegiornale.it · www.calabrianews.it · www.inliberta.it · +7 more