The heat wave continues strong in Italy. Temperatures ten degrees above average are expected in the coming days. The last few days have ranked as the hottest on record. The next few days should be even more difficult. Unbearable heat and scorching temperatures will affect Italy from north to south, warn climate experts. In Sardinia, maximum values of 48 degrees are expected.
Meteorologist Mattia Gussoni explained that the increase in temperature was due to a wave of warm air coming straight from Africa. The African high pressure area acts as a protective shield over Italy and prevents the penetration of colder currents. The situation in the Sardinian capital, Cagliari, and the surrounding area is worrying. The president of the Adriatic region of Puglia, in southern Italy, Michele Emiliano, asked farmers not to work in the fields during the hottest hours.
In Rome, overheated tourists seek out the many gray fountains that gushed out drinking water – also called “Nasone” because of the nose-shaped tap. In the capital, people fill their bottles there, refresh their faces or let their dogs drink.
In the next three days, high temperatures are also forecast for South Tyrol. Red alert has been declared for Bolzano and all communities in the Adige Valley. In the northern Italian city of Forlì, unions have threatened to strike if the health of workers who spend eight hours outdoors or in rooms without air conditioning is not protected.
The stuffiness will continue to weigh on people at least until Wednesday. A break in the northern heat wave is expected between Thursday and Friday. Then some storms should cool down.