Italy's weather splits: one dead from northern floods, south swelters

Italy is facing a stark weather divide, with the north battered by thunderstorms and the south enduring extreme heat. This contrasting weather is expected to persist until Thursday, after which the northern regions will also experience rising temperatures.

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The escalation thermal, according to Lorenzo Tedici, meteorologist de iLMeteo.it, will continue until the weekend.

The Italian Ministry of Health has issued red alerts for heat risk, with the number of cities under the highest warning set to increase from seven to 15 by Friday and 16 by Saturday. Temperatures are predicted to reach 45°C in inland Sardinia, 42°C in Nuoro, and 41°C in Caltanissetta, Foggia, and Oristano. Major cities like Florence, Terni, and Matera are expected to see temperatures around 40°C, with Rome reaching 37°C and Milan 36°C.

Meanwhile, the severe weather in the north has caused significant disruption. Heavy rains, strong winds, and hail have led to fallen trees and flooding in regions like Triveneto and Emilia-Romagna. Tragically, one person died in Bomporto, near Modena, after their car collided with an oncoming vehicle during the downpour.

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We must protect ourselves from the heat by avoiding going out during the central hours of the day.

The heatwave is the third of the year, prompting the Ministry of Health to convene a meeting on operational plans for managing the effects of high temperatures. Health Minister Orazio Schillaci advised citizens to protect themselves by avoiding outdoor activities during the hottest hours. Measures are also being implemented to protect workers, with the Lazio region prohibiting work under prolonged sun exposure between 12:30 PM and 4 PM. In Milan, a municipal ordinance restricts deliveries during the hottest parts of the day, leading to protests by riders demanding social support.

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We are giving full implementation to the measures to protect riders from the heat.