Italy has placed all 27 of its major cities under the highest-level heat alert as the country’s fourth heatwave of the summer intensifies, the Health Ministry announced.
According to the ministry, 25 cities were placed on red alert on Tuesday and Wednesday, while Messina and Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, which had remained under an amber alert, will also move to the highest alert level on Thursday.
A red heat alert indicates a potential public health emergency, with prolonged high temperatures posing serious health risks to the entire population, including young and otherwise healthy individuals.
Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to avoid direct sunlight and outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, between 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., remain indoors where possible and stay well hydrated.
A Health Ministry spokesperson said it is the first time this year that all 27 monitored cities have been placed under a red alert, although it could not be confirmed whether such a nationwide alert had occurred in previous years.
Temperatures have reached 40°C (104°F) in some parts of the country, with little relief expected before the weekend.
Forecasters said the extreme heat is being driven by a North African anticyclone that has strengthened over the Mediterranean and extended across much of Europe.