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[HEALTH] · Italy · 75 sources

Italy's extreme heat wave fuels thunderstorms and wildfires

After more than a month of record‑breaking temperatures, Italy is experiencing a gradual easing of the heat in the north while extreme heat persists in the centre‑south. Forecasts for 19 July 2026 show temperatures of 36‑37 °C in Rome and Florence and over 40 °C on the islands, with the north facing strong thunderstorms, hail and downbursts as a low‑pressure system approaches from Scandinavia. A shift to cooler air is expected from Tuesday‑Wednesday, which should reduce the heat but will be accompanied by further convective storms.

The prolonged heat has already triggered widespread wildfire activity. In Calabria, more than 150 fire interventions were recorded, with Canadair aircraft dropping water to protect the coastal villages of Squillace and Stalettì. In Sicily, at least 54 separate fires forced the evacuation of homes and a sanctuary in Modica and saw extensive firefighting efforts across the island. Health authorities warn that eight out of ten Italians do not drink enough water during such heat, raising risks of dehydration and heat‑related illness. The regional government has imposed a red‑alert ban on outdoor work between 12:30 and 16:00 in the most vulnerable zones, and civil‑protection officials advise the public to seek shelter promptly during sudden storms and to avoid open water.

Overall, the heat wave continues to strain public health, emergency services, and infrastructure, with a modest cooling expected later in the week.

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Grande caldo, Napoli da bollino rosso [www.ilfattovesuviano.it]
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