Italy has placed 19 of its major cities under the highest “red” heat alert as a fresh heatwave grips the country, prompting health authorities to warn of serious risks to public health.
Cities under the maximum alert include Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples, with temperatures climbing into the mid-30s degrees Celsius across much of the country. The red alert signifies a heatwave emergency that poses health risks not only to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and people with chronic illnesses, but also to healthy and active individuals.
Italy’s Ministry of Health has urged residents and visitors to take precautions, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours and checking on vulnerable people. The ministry continues to issue daily heatwave bulletins for major cities during the summer months.
The latest heatwave comes as Europe continues to experience extreme temperatures and heightened wildfire risks, with climate experts warning that such events are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
