Italy hit by heatwave as cities receive red and orange alerts

A strong African‑origin anticyclone is bringing an intense heatwave to Italy in mid‑June 2026. The Ministry of Health’s heat‑wave bulletin has placed five northern cities – Bologna, Brescia, Florence, Perugia and Turin – under red (level 3) alerts, with the red zone expanding to include Bolzano, Milan and Rieti on June 21. Seven more cities, among them Rome, Milan, Verona and Bologna, are on orange (level 2) alerts, while a further dozen locations are on yellow pre‑alert warnings.

Regional bulletins show similar concerns elsewhere: Lazio’s capital and surrounding provinces (Roma, Frosinone, Latina, Rieti) face orange alerts, and the Marche region records temperatures 3‑4 °C above average with nighttime highs near 21‑22 °C. In Sicily, the civil protection agency has issued an orange pre‑alert for wildfire risk and a yellow heat alert for Palermo, Catania and Messina, noting expected maximum perceived temperatures of 33‑35 °C. Lombardy and other northern regions expect isolated evening thunderstorms but overall daytime highs of 35‑40 °C.

Health authorities advise regular hydration, avoidance of outdoor activity between 11 am and 6 pm, and special care for the elderly, children and people with chronic illnesses. Public hot‑line 1500 remains active for assistance.