Italy places nearly all major cities on highest heat alert
A new heatwave grips Italy as health officials issue urgent warnings and precautions.
1Comprehensive heat alert in Italy
Italy faces a new heatwave caused by a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa. According to the latest warning from the Health Ministry, 25 of 27 major cities will reach the highest red alert level by Monday. Only Reggio Calabria and Messina will remain at the second-level amber alert. Temperatures have exceeded 35°C in many regions, prompting widespread health concerns.
2Expanding risk groups
Authorities warn that risks extend beyond the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses to include healthy and active individuals. Officials recommend avoiding sun exposure between 11:00-18:00, staying hydrated, and remaining indoors when possible. Nineteen cities including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples are already under red alert status.
3Mediterranean heatwave impact
The extreme heat, caused by the strengthening subtropical anticyclone over the Mediterranean, affects the entire region. Climate change has made Europe the fastest-warming continent, heating twice as fast as the global average. This increases both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, according to Copernicus Climate Change Service data.
4Europe's wildfire toll
In France, 200,000 residents returned home after fires in Gironde were contained, while 2,500 were evacuated in Var due to reignited blazes. Spain has seen over 200,000 hectares burned this year - five times the average. Portugal also reports above-average burned areas. Successive heatwaves have created ideal conditions for these devastating wildfires across Southern Europe.
5Greece's maritime evacuations
Hundreds of people - mostly tourists - were evacuated by sea from the coastal town of Viotia in Greece, surrounded by one of many wildfires raging nationwide. Firefighters and helicopters continue battling uncontrolled blazes across several regions. The fires, fueled by consecutive heatwaves, have consumed thousands of hectares throughout Europe.
6Climate change consequences
Europe is warming faster than any other continent according to Copernicus Climate Change Service, with temperatures rising twice as fast as the global average. This leads to more intense summer heat, increased pressure on water resources, and more severe wildfires. Spain's 2026 data shows burned areas significantly exceeding historical averages.
7Healthcare system strain
Extreme heat not only increases fire risks but also places significant pressure on healthcare systems. Italy's Health Ministry reports emergency services struggling with heat-related cases in major cities. Hospitals are seeing increased admissions for heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory problems due to the prolonged high temperatures.
8Long-term implications
Experts warn such extreme weather events won't be limited to summer months. Climate change impacts are profoundly affecting multiple sectors from agriculture to tourism, energy consumption to infrastructure. Mediterranean countries particularly face growing risks of water scarcity and wildfires in coming years, requiring comprehensive adaptation strategies.
Original article: BBC News — İtalya'da neredeyse tüm büyük şehirlere en yüksek sıcaklık alarmı