Italy putting nearly all major cities on highest heat alert

What the report says

Italy is placing nearly all of its major cities under the highest heat warning as a new wave of extreme temperatures spreads across the country, BBC World News reported. Health officials said 19 cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice and Naples, were already on red alert, with 25 of Italy’s 27 major cities expected to be at that level by Monday. Only Reggio Calabria and Messina were forecast to remain on the next-lower amber alert.

The ministry warned that the heat could pose risks not only to older adults, young children and people with chronic illness, but also to healthy people if they are exposed for long periods. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, avoid direct sunlight and drink plenty of fluids. Temperatures were reported in the mid-30s Celsius in many places on Saturday.

The heat is being driven by a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa strengthening over the Mediterranean, according to the report. The warning comes as several European countries are also dealing with severe wildfires after repeated heatwaves have created dry conditions favorable to fires. More broadly, Europe has been warming faster than the global average, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which helps explain the growing frequency and intensity of summer heat and fire risk.