Italy has declared the highest alert level due to the heat wave in its 27 largest cities
Italian authorities have declared a red alert due to abnormal heat in all 27 of the country’s largest cities. The decision was prompted by extremely high temperatures—which are approaching 40°C in some regions—as well as the threat to public health.
According to the Italian Ministry of Health, a red alert indicates a high risk of emergencies due to the prolonged impact of the heat on people’s health.
For the first time since the beginning of the year, all 27 cities monitored by the heat control system have been placed on the highest alert level.
The list includes, in particular:
- Rome;
- Milan;
- Naples;
- Turin;
- Florence;
- Venice;
- Bologna;
- Palermo;
- Trieste;
- Bari and other major cities in the country.
Due to the extreme heat, authorities recommend:
- avoid direct sunlight from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.;
- stay in cool places whenever possible;
- drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day;
- avoid alcohol, coffee, sugary carbonated drinks, and heavy meals;
- wear light clothing;
- Do not leave children or pets in parked cars.
In recent days, at least four deaths linked to the extreme heat have been reported in Italy.
Among the victims were a 19-year-old tomato picker and a 40-year-old carpenter who were working outdoors in the Lombardy region. There are also reports of the death of a security guard in Bologna who fell ill in his car.
At the same time, the abnormal heat has exacerbated the drought situation in the Po River valley. More than 100 cities in the Piedmont and Lombardy regions are already facing water supply problems, and in some towns, drinking water is being delivered by tanker trucks.
To help residents and tourists cope with the heat, Rome has introduced free access to air-conditioned movie theaters and cultural venues during the hottest hours of the day.
In addition, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other popular landmarks have extended their hours so that visitors can explore them in the evening when temperatures are lower.
This was reported by The Guardian.
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