The peak of the heat wave
Italy is going through the most intense phase of its heat wave right now, between Tuesday 30 June and Wednesday 1 July. The mercury columns reach peaks of 38-40 degrees in various regions, with a feeling of mugginess made even heavier by the high humidity and poor ventilation, especially in the areas of Central-Southern Italy, the islands and part of the Po Valley.
The red-sticker cities
According to the bulletins of the Ministry of Health, tomorrow the number of cities on maximum alert will rise from 22 to 25, with Cagliari, Catania and Trieste entering the highest risk band. The red dot, corresponding to Level 3, signals a condition in which the heat can become dangerous not only for fragile people, but also for young and healthy individuals.
Out of a total of 27 cities monitored, only two remain outside the critical zone: Messina maintains the yellow label, while Reggio Calabria moves to the orange level, indicative of a lower risk but still not to be underestimated for the elderly and children.
Here are the cities on maximum alert:
Hot nights and prolonged discomfort
One of the most critical aspects of this phase is the persistence of the heat even during the night hours, especially in the Central-Southern areas and the Po Valley. Minimum temperatures that do not drop sufficiently prevent the body from recovering from the thermal stress accumulated during the day, increasing the risk for the most vulnerable segments of the population.
The turning point is coming
The expected change will not be long in coming. Between July 1st and 3rd, a disturbance coming from the North Atlantic will interrupt the phase of extreme heat, bringing an initial drop in temperatures and an easing of the heat. The Central European updates confirm the progressive subsidence of the subtropical high pressure that has dominated the scene in recent weeks.
Risk of thunderstorms and hailstorms
The transition from intense heat to cooler air will not be without consequences: the clash between the hot air masses accumulated in recent days and the colder currents arriving could generate violent meteorological phenomena between Wednesday 1st and Friday 3rd July. There is talk of intense thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong gusts of wind and, in some cases, possible tornadoes.
What to expect in the next few days
Once this turbulent phase has passed, the entry of northern currents will favor a more stable air exchange, with temperatures returning to values closer to the seasonal norm. In many areas of the country it will once again drop below the 35 degree mark, offering some relief after days of oppressive heat.
