Northern Italy under orange thunderstorm alert as intense storms hit Milan and surrounding regions

After several days of extreme heat, meteorologists forecast a rapid shift to severe thunderstorms across northern Italy on Saturday, 11 July. The Italian Civil Protection Department issued an orange alert for Lombardy and a yellow alert for the broader northern region, including Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino‑Alto Adige, Friuli‑Venezia Giulia, Emilia‑Romagna and Marche.

The storms are expected to bring heavy rain, strong gusts, large hail and frequent lightning, raising the risk of localized flooding, traffic disruptions and damage to structures such as trees, power lines and temporary venues. Temperatures that had been above 34‑35 °C are expected to drop temporarily where storms develop, but the heat will persist elsewhere. Authorities advise caution for outdoor activities and travel, especially in urban areas where intense downpours can cause rapid water accumulation.