Italy putting nearly all major cities on highest heat alert
Italy has placed nearly all of its major cities on the highest 'red' heat alert as a subtropical anticyclone brings extreme temperatures across the country. The heatwave coincides with widespread wildfires across Southern Europe, highlighting the increasing frequency of climate-driven weather extremes.
Why it matters
This event underscores the growing impact of climate change on European infrastructure, public health, and environmental stability, as the continent warms faster than the global average.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images Image caption, Italian health officials urge residents in the affected areas to avoid exposure to heat direct sunlight by staying indoors and drinking plenty of fluids
Italy is putting nearly all of its major cities on the highest "red" alert for high temperatures, as a new heatwave grips the country.
Health officials say 19 cities from north to south - including the capital Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples - are already at red alert, and by Monday all but two cities will be.
Temperatures hit mid-30s C in many places on Saturday, and authorities are warning warning of risks to even healthy and active people - not just groups including the elderly, very young children and people with chronic illnesses.
The warnings come as several European nations battle devastating wildfires after a succession of heatwaves that have created favourable conditions for blazes.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in