Italy braces for second heatwave, eight cities on red alert Sunday

Italy is preparing for the second heatwave of 2026, with the Ministry of Health's bulletin on heatwaves indicating an increase in cities under red alert. On Sunday, eight major urban centers are expected to be marked with a red sticker, signifying the highest level of heat risk.

Heatwaves occur when temperatures remain very high for consecutive days, often combined with high humidity, intense solar radiation, and lack of ventilation. These conditions can pose significant health risks to the population. The bulletin currently monitors 27 urban centers across the country.

On Sunday, June 21, Bolzano, Milan, and Rieti will be elevated to red alert status. They will join Bologna, Brescia, Florence, Perugia, and Turin, which are already under red alert for both Saturday and Sunday. Rome, however, will remain on orange alert, indicating a heat risk primarily for fragile populations.

The number of cities where the heat threatens only the health of the most vulnerable is also increasing, rising from seven on Saturday to eight on Sunday. Notably, green alerts, indicating minimal risk, will disappear entirely on Sunday.