Extreme Heat Emergency in Italy, Researcher Speaks Out

Heatwave Hits Italy

This week in Italy, a severe heatwave has arrived, caused by an African anticyclone that will linger over the peninsula at least until next Saturday.
Several cities are under an orange alert (Ancona, Bari, Bologna, Campobasso, Catania, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Naples, Palermo, Pescara, Reggio Calabria, Rieti, Rome, and Viterbo), with one even under a red alert: Perugia.
Temperatures in these areas are expected to reach 40°C during certain time slots, while even at night they won’t drop below 25°C.

Health Risks and Recommendations

This extreme heatwave poses health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
It is advised for them to stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day and stay well hydrated.

Extreme Heatwaves and Climate Change

The threat of extreme heatwaves may persist throughout the summer.
Climate change has significantly worsened environmental conditions, leading to more frequent extreme weather events in summer, including intense heatwaves and increasingly violent and tropical meteorological phenomena.
According to climate researcher Erik Kolstad, if last year Spain faced its most severe heatwave ever, in 2024 the trend is expected to shift eastwards, with Italy among the nations most affected.

Risk of Extreme Heat in Italy and Beyond

In August 2023, Valencia in Spain recorded a temperature of 46.8°C, 3.4 degrees hotter than the city’s previous record.
Kolstad predicts that in 2024, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Middle Eastern countries will bear the brunt of such heatwaves.

Last week, Greece experienced scorching temperatures that led the government to close the Acropolis of Athens during the hottest hours.
Schools and several tourist attractions also had to shut down to prevent risks.

Current Heatwave Situation in Italy

This week, the heatwave is moving towards Italy, with temperatures exceeding 30°C in nearly all regions.
The humidity will make it feel even hotter, with estimates suggesting that in Naples’ historic center, temperatures could reach a perceived temperature of up to 60°C in the hottest hours.

According to Kolstad, this could be just the beginning, with extreme temperatures becoming more common in the mentioned regions, including Italy.
Kolstad notes a concerning trend of rising perceived temperatures in Europe year after year, with a recent rapid increase.
The neglect of climate change impact is now catching up with us.

Drought Risk and Water Scarcity

The most significant risk is drought, with lack of rainfall and scorching temperatures severely affecting Italian water basins, especially in the South and Sicily.
Lakes, rivers, and artificial reservoirs are well below their usual levels, and this heatwave will only exacerbate the situation.