The Italy is in the most intense phase of tthird heat wave of the summer. Between today and tomorrow the peak temperatures, with the mercury ready to touch 40 degrees again in several areas of the country.
The record heat is accompanied by a particularly unstable meteorological situation: while the Center-Sud stay in the grip of the African anticyclone, some areas of the North part are already interested in temporal intense, hail e storms.
Extreme heat in Italy, alert goes out: 15 cities on red alert and peak tomorrow
The Ministry of Health has reported maximum heat alert conditions in several Italian cities. There are 15 urban centers with red dot, among which Bologna, Brescia, Cagliari, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, Turin e Viterbo.
Instead, there are two cities with orange stamp (Level 2), Bolzano, and Milan, where hot conditions can pose risks, especially for the elderly, children, and people with health problems. All other monitored cities are at the yellow level (pre-alert), while a green alert is not expected.
The situation is expected to worsen during the day Friday July 17, considered the hottest one: the cities with red dot will rise to 16 with the addition of Milan, while those in the band will increase to four Orange, with the entry of Ancona, Civitavecchia, Messina e Naples.
Fire emergency in the South: blazes in Sicily and Puglia. Sardinia scorches.
The intense heat and the long drought are also increasing the risk of fires in the southern regions. Sicilia There are numerous fire fronts that have involved firefighters, forestry workers and civil protection, with particular attention to areas near strategic infrastructures such as that of Sigonella.
In Puglia A large fire has affected a large area of vegetation near Minervino Murge, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. Rescue teams have been working to contain the flames using ground vehicles and air support, while monitoring operations continue.
Among the areas most affected by the heat wave there is also the Sardinia, where the intense heat is creating conditions of great discomfort. Cagliari, listed among the cities with a red flag, the Municipality has introduced some precautionary measures to protect the population during the most critical hours: the city cemeteries have been temporarily closed in the afternoon and the Tuvixeddu archaeological park during the emergency.
Storm warning in the North: strong winds and flooding
If the Centre-South remains under the pressure of the African anticyclone, the North part Italy, on the other hand, has to deal with very severe meteorological phenomena. intenseThe last few hours have been marked by strong temporal, gusts of wind e storms which have caused problems in several regions.
In Emilia Romagna and Lombardy Firefighters responded hundreds of times to fallen trees, flooded roads, damaged structures, and windblown roofs. In some areas, building inspections and the temporary evacuation of families due to storm damage were necessary.
Complex situation also in Piedmont, especially in the Alessandria area, where heavy rainfall caused flooding and numerous rescue operations. Local authorities have activated emergency structures to manage the critical issues related to heavy rains and gusts of wind.
When the heat will end: the forecast for the next few days
According to the forecast, change will start from North part Italy since Friday afternoon, July 17, when the African anticyclone will gradually begin to lose strength, leaving room for cooler and more unstable air. In days the drop in temperatures should also involve the Center-Sud, bringing weather conditions closer to the seasonal norm.
The hottest phase, therefore, is expected to occur between today and tomorrow, before gradually improving. Experts are urging caution, however, as even after the initial phase of intense heat has passed, muggy conditions and high temperatures could persist in several areas of the country.
