Hot, very hot even on this last Sunday of July, with temperatures rising in Sardinia and in the central north. The values may be higher than the real 35-36°, but due to the heat, the perceived temperatures will also be close to 40°. Attention also to those who get in the car, because today is also a "red dot" day, with sustained traffic and queues of a few kilometers on Italian roads and motorways. This is what emerges from monitoring of Viability Italy, which recalls that on Sunday 29, the traffic ban for heavy vehicles is in force from 7 to 22.
And the worst is yet to come. Nightmare traffic also next weekend with even more intense heat. In fact, meteorologists are expecting a further rise in temperatures starting from Monday, when it will be possible to reach 38 degrees, especially in the central and northern regions. This heat wave could persist throughout the first week of August, after which the heat, albeit slowly, should begin to subside. In short, for those who have decided to stay in the city or for those who have not yet started their holidays and go to the office every day, the next few days could be meteorologically difficult.
Il traffic calendar of Viabilità Italia can be downloaded here. And it can help at least to get an idea of times and days to avoid or to "handle" with care. As can be seen from the calendar, the hottest days for traffic are Sunday 29 July for departures, where not only intense traffic but critical issues and queues are expected, then Sunday 19 and 26 August for returns. In these days there is no possibility of salvation given that the reported intensity concerns the time span from 7 to 22, the widest. It is therefore advisable to leave with reserves of water so as not to find yourself in difficulty in the event of long queues, especially if you have children on board. It is also useful to have light food with you to avoid traffic jams at Autogrills.
An aid to those who travel but also to those who remain in the cities scorching heat of these days, comes from the World Health Organization (WHO). "The heat can trigger heatstroke but it can also worsen existing conditions, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, renal or mental diseases", is the warning coming from the WHO which, like every year, also gives us some advice on "good practices ” that help us prevent “the adverse health effects caused by the heat”. The first is not to get angry, "because even states of anxiety and agitation can increase hot flashes". To keep the house cool, “open the windows at night to cool the apartment but use blinds or shutters during the day”.
Those who go out and about, avoid doing it during the hottest hours and "if necessary, spend 2-3 hours of the day in a cool place, such as a public building with air conditioning". It is essential to use light and loose clothing, take fresh showers or baths, drink regularly, avoiding alcohol and caffeine.
