Italy: 58-year-old farmer dies from heatstroke as 16 cities on high alert

Italy is grappling with a severe heatwave, which has claimed its first victim: a 58-year-old farmer in Lodi, northern Italy, who died from heatstroke. The extreme temperatures have placed 16 major cities, including Milan, Florence, Turin, Rome, Naples, Verona, and Venice, under high alert.

The intense heat is straining the country's power grid, leading to extensive electricity outages in numerous regions. The mayor of Teramo has appealed to the Meloni government for immediate intervention, warning of serious consequences for both citizens' lives and the economy.

In response to the dangerous conditions, authorities have mandated that outdoor workers cease their labor during the hottest parts of the day. The Italian public sector will provide significant compensation for workers placed on mandatory rest. Meteorologists predict temperatures will rise further by the end of the week, particularly in central and northern Italy.

Adding to the strain, Pope Francis acknowledged the heat during his Wednesday general audience, thanking the faithful for filling St. Peter's Square despite the intense heatwave. Meanwhile, the heatwave has also led to early closures of iconic landmarks like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower in France, highlighting the widespread impact of the extreme weather across Europe.