September started a few hours ago and summer 2026 shows no signs of closing the books. While in the North the maximum and minimum temperatures have dropped a little compared to recent days, a new African anticyclone is preparing to bring the thermometer back upwards: it will be the sixth heat wave of the season, with peaks of 36-37°C.
Where you will hear it most
The Italian map will turn red again from Thursday 3 September, especially in the Centre-North. Thermal anomalies could reach 8-10°C higher than the typical values of the first days of the month. According to weather experts, the highest values will be recorded in some sections of the Po Valley and in the internal areas of the Centre, with 35-37°C expected in Bologna and Ferrara and rising temperatures also in Florence and Rome. In the South, where the heat has never really let go, 36-37°C will be reached between Thursday 3rd and Friday 4th, in a context of strong thermal anomalies that will affect the entire Peninsula.
What the Ministry bulletins say
The picture is confirmed in the daily bulletins on heat waves published by the Ministry of Health, active until 20 September for 27 Italian cities with 24, 48 and 72 hour forecasts. On August 31st and September 1st there were four cities with a red flag, level 3, which signals “emergency conditions with possible negative effects on the health of even healthy and active people”: Bari, Campobasso, Catania and Latina, according to the latest update released by the ministry. On Wednesday 2 September the maximum alert will drop to three cities, with Catania returning to the yellow flag, while no capital will be placed in orange.
However, this is a reduction compared to the record values of recent days, when peaks of up to 45-46°C were reached in the Centre-South, with the peak in the Catania area. Current temperatures are therefore close to the averages for the period, although they still remain above normal before the new surge on Thursday.
How long will it last
Experts remain cautious about the duration of the sixth wave. To have more precise indications we will have to wait for the evolution of the next few days: a turning point, if it comes, is not expected before mid-September. Until then, anyone living in cities at risk would do well to consult the bulletin for their area every day, also available via the Caldo e Salute app.
