Italy issues red heat alert as extreme temperatures grip Europe

Italy placed a red‑alert warning on three consecutive days for the heatwave, with Genoa experiencing night‑time temperatures that never dropped below 25 °C and high humidity. The Ministry of Health issued a circular urging event organisers to adopt preventive measures, setting up dedicated emergency routes for heat‑related illnesses and mobilising family doctors and community health houses to reduce hospital admissions.

The heatwave, driven by hot air from North Africa, has swept across Europe, causing hundreds of fatalities and temperature spikes near 50 °C in several countries. In Italy, 18 provincial capitals—including Milan, Rome, Florence and Turin—were placed under the red‑alert banner. Authorities advised the public to avoid outdoor exposure during peak hours, stay hydrated, wear light clothing, use high‑SPF sunscreen and limit alcohol and very cold drinks.

Meteorologists forecast that the extreme heat will begin to subside from mid‑week next week as cooler air from Northern Europe moves in, potentially lowering temperatures by 6–8 °C around 1 July. The transition may bring thunderstorms and heavy rain, while the Azores anticyclone could later restore milder summer conditions.