Four more people have died in Italy over the past 24 hours due to extreme temperatures, bringing the total death toll from the ongoing heatwave to at least 10.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, citing international media reports, the country has been grappling with intense heat for 10 consecutive days, with temperatures significantly exceeding seasonal norms.
In Genoa, two women aged 86 and 74 died due to heatstroke. Additionally, a worker in the town of Abano Terme near Padua and a migrant agricultural worker in Mantua lost their lives due to the extreme heat.
The Italian Ministry of Health has issued its highest-level "red" alert for 25 cities today and tomorrow. The affected areas include Rome, Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Milan, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Turin, Venice, Verona, Viterbo, Campobasso, Civitavecchia, Naples, Palermo, Cagliari, Catania, and Trieste.
While some cities in the north have seen record-breaking daytime temperatures, severe evening thunderstorms have caused localized flooding and downed trees, further disrupting daily life. Meteorologists forecast that the heatwave is expected to subside starting tomorrow, with rainy weather conditions anticipated across the country.
Heatwaves are becoming increasingly frequent and intense in Southern Europe due to climate change, posing significant public health risks, particularly for the elderly and outdoor workers. Italian authorities continue to advise citizens to limit outdoor activities during peak daylight hours and stay hydrated.
