Italy's extreme heat wave triggers red alerts in 23 cities, prompting 500‑million‑euro climate plan

A fourth heat wave sweeps Italy in early August, with the Ministry of Health issuing a red‑alert (bollino rosso) for 19 cities on Saturday and 23 cities on Sunday. Temperatures are forecast to exceed 40 °C in several central‑northern locations, including 41 °C in Terni and 40 °C in Ferrara, Mantova, Modena, Parma and near‑40 °C in Florence. High humidity pushes perceived temperatures to 43‑44 °C, prompting health advisories to limit outdoor activity and protect vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children. Local authorities in Varese have also banned leaving pets in direct sunlight.

In response, the Democratic Party (PD) has presented a €500 million, three‑year national climate‑adaptation plan. The proposal includes funding for a network of climate shelters, investments to combat energy poverty, and the recognition of extreme heat as an occupational risk. PD secretary Elly Schlein emphasized the need to combine climate justice with social measures. An app mapping refuge points and a strike by Livorno port workers over heat conditions illustrate the broader societal impact of the heat wave.