ROME — Italian authorities raised the highest heat-health alert for nearly all of the country’s major cities on Aug. 1 as a new heatwave moved in, with temperatures expected to climb into the high 30s Celsius by Aug. 3. The Health Ministry said 25 of the nation’s 27 major cities, including Rome and Milan, were placed on the top alert level; only Reggio Calabria and Messina were excluded.
The ministry warned that the peak heat is “likely to have harmful effects on the health of healthy and active people,” not just vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses. The latest surge followed a blistering spell across Western Europe earlier last week and a further escalation across Central Europe before reaching Italy.
Officials urged residents to follow heat-safety guidance, stay hydrated, avoid outdoor exertion during the hottest hours and check on at-risk neighbors. Local authorities are coordinating cooling centers and public advisories as hospitals and emergency services prepare for increased demand.