16-7-2023 (ROME) Italy is bracing itself for a third heatwave of the summer, set to scorch the country from north to south starting tomorrow and lasting until Monday. Weather experts predict that this heatwave will bring even higher temperatures than before, with some areas possibly breaking previous heat records. Inland areas of Sardinia could see peaks of up to 48 degrees Celsius. The African anticyclone advancing throughout the Mediterranean basin is believed to be responsible for this new wave of extreme heat.
The Ministry of Health has issued a red alert, the highest level of warning, for 15 cities including Bari, Bologna, Cagliari, Campobasso, Catania, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Messina, Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, and Viterbo. The number of cities under the red alert will rise to 16 tomorrow, with Palermo being added to the list. The heatwave is expected to extend into next week, with temperatures remaining above average even during the night.
Francesco Nucera from 3bmeteo predicts that temperatures will continue to rise each day, and by mid-week, exceptional values could be reached, with peaks of 42-45 degrees in the central south. Around 60% of the regions may experience temperatures of 40 degrees or above. The heat will also be felt during the night, and new heat records are not out of the question.
On Monday, Rome is forecasted to reach a temperature of 41 degrees in the shade, while on Tuesday, the mercury is expected to soar to 43 degrees, surpassing the previous record of 40.7 degrees recorded in the summer of 2022. Antonio Sanò, founder of the Italian weather website Il Meteo, warns that exceptional values are expected throughout the rest of the country. For example, Foggia, Agrigento, and Oristano could reach 44 degrees, while Syracuse could touch 45 degrees. Florence may experience temperatures of 39-40 degrees, prompting the Municipality to advise citizens to exercise caution. Many cities in the Po Valley and the Adriatic regions, including Bologna, Pavia, Padua, and Mantua, are also expected to experience temperatures above seasonal averages.
Sanò warns that Sardinia will witness the highest temperature ever recorded on Tuesday, July 18, with 48 degrees during the day in the southern inland areas. Nighttime lows will also be higher, above 20-22 degrees, resulting in hot and muggy nights. Sea temperatures are also rising, with southern seas already reaching 30 degrees.
Sardinia is expected to endure record-breaking temperatures, with Sulcis and some areas of the central north already experiencing 40-degree temperatures today. Tomorrow, temperatures could reach 45 degrees. Sicily is also expected to face extremely high temperatures, with inland areas potentially touching 47 degrees next week. Catania and Caltanissetta have already exceeded 40 degrees, while the rest of the region averages 32-35 degrees. Beaches are packed, while the historic centers of major cities are deserted as tourists seek relief from the heat.
In Matera, temperatures reached 42 degrees around noon today. However, the hot climate did not deter tourists from visiting the ancient tuff districts of the city, although they made more frequent stops for refreshments. In the coming days, temperatures in Valle d’Aosta will rise to “4,700-4,800 meters,” practically matching the height of Mont Blanc (4,807 meters), according to the regional meteorological office.
