A heatwave alert has been issued after the Italian Health Ministry placed Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin under the highest level 3 red warning due to soaring temperatures affecting Italy and wider Europe.
The alert comes as an early-season heatwave grips several European countries, including France, the United Kingdom and Italy.
Temperatures above seasonal norms
According to forecasts, temperatures are expected to reach up to 33°C in Turin, 32°C in Florence and Bologna, and around 31°C in Rome.
However, the perceived temperature is significantly higher, with “feels-like” conditions reaching up to 35°C in some cities.
The heatwave alert highlights that the extreme conditions are unusually high for late May.
Level 3 indicates emergency conditions
The Italian Ministry of Health said level 3 represents an emergency heat condition that can impact not only vulnerable groups but also healthy and active individuals.
It is activated when extreme temperatures and abnormal weather conditions persist for at least three consecutive days.
The ministry publishes daily heat bulletins covering 27 cities, with forecasts extending up to 72 hours.
“Heat dome” driving extreme weather
Meteorologists attribute the current heatwave to a “heat dome” effect, a high-pressure system that traps hot air from North Africa over Western Europe.
Experts say such conditions are becoming more frequent and intense.
Scientific consensus also indicates that human-driven climate change is increasing the severity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts and floods.
Source: CNA
Also read: UK records May temperature high; four teens drown
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
