Italy Faces Another Week of Extreme Heat, August 15 Expected to Hit 40 Degrees

Italy is bracing for another week of intense heat, with temperatures expected to peak around 38-39 degrees Celsius in many cities during the week of August 15. While brief thunderstorms may offer temporary relief, the subtropical anticyclone's expansion will drive temperatures higher across the country.

Health authorities have issued a red alert for 19 major urban centers, signifying the highest level of risk due to the heat and humidity. These cities include Rome, Naples, Palermo, and Florence, among others. An orange alert, indicating risk for vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, and pregnant women, will be in effect for cities like Milan, Venice, and Verona.

Experts estimate that this summer's extreme heat could lead to between 5,000 and 7,000 excess deaths. The heat has been linked to several fatalities, including a construction worker in Padua who died on his first day of work, possibly from heatstroke. Three other individuals died from sudden illnesses while at the beach.

The extreme temperatures are exacerbating existing wildfire threats. Firefighters are battling blazes across the country, with new fires erupting in Tuscany and Lazio. The Goriziano region continues to see operations to extinguish a large fire.

Beyond the heat and fires, travel disruptions are also anticipated. Significant railway infrastructure work is scheduled between August 10 and August 28 on the Florence-Rome line, potentially causing delays for travelers. However, road travel is not expected to face major issues, with a slight decrease in traffic volume anticipated compared to the previous holiday weekend.