Italy braces for fourth heatwave with temperatures up to 40C amid severe drought

Italy is bracing for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures predicted to soar between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius starting Wednesday. Meteorologists warn the heat could be even more intense than previous waves, lasting until at least August 10 and accompanied by near-total drought. A North African high-pressure system is responsible for the extreme heat, expected to first reach Sardinia and then spread across the entire country. The zero-degree Celsius line could rise above 5,000 meters in the Western Alps, and "tropical nights" with temperatures remaining above 20, or even 25 degrees, are anticipated in many areas. This combination of heat and humidity poses a significant health risk, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. In Turin, between May 25 and June 30, there were 136 more deaths among those over 65 compared to the long-term average, a 19% increase. A substantial portion of these excess deaths occurred during the latter half of June, when heatwave warnings were at their highest level. The persistent drought is also severely impacting agriculture. Rivers and water reservoirs are at critically low levels, prompting discussions about bringing livestock down from mountain pastures earlier than usual. The water levels of major northern Italian lakes, such as Lake Maggiore, are dropping, exposing more shoreline and threatening the delicate ecosystem. Experts warn that the loss of habitat in shallow areas due to receding waters disrupts natural balances and harms biodiversity.