Red Alert: Italy’s Major Cities Under Heatwave Pressure

Sun Sep 06 2026 01:57:44 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Italy declares red heat alerts for 25 of its 27 major cities amid a severe heatwave, as wildfires spread across Europe.

The Italian health ministry has declared a red heat alert for almost all of its major cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples, warning residents to stay indoors and stay hydrated. Temperatures have reached the mid-30s Celsius, posing risks to all age groups. A powerful subtropical anticyclone falling over the Mediterranean is fueling the heat, while wildfires continue to blaze in Greece, France, Portugal and Spain, threatening thousands of hectares of land.

Red Alert: Italy's Major Cities Under Heatwave Pressure

People drinking water and using hand fans in Naples to stay cool — People drink water and use hand fans to protect themselves from the sun in Naples, southern Italy. Photo: 1 August 2026

The Italian health ministry has issued a heat‑wave bulletin stating that by Monday, 25 of the country’s 27 major cities will be on a red alert — the highest level of warning. Only Reggio Calabria and Messina, on the southern tip of Italy’s “boot” and its adjacent island of Sicily, will remain on the second‑highest amber alert.

Health officials urge residents in affected areas to avoid sun exposure between 11:00 and 18:00, stay indoors, and drink plenty of fluids. The extreme heat comes from a strengthening subtropical anticyclone from North Africa over the Mediterranean, creating difficult conditions for the population and for emergency services.

The heatwave is part of a broader pattern of seasonal extremes across Europe, contributing to widespread wildfires. In France, for instance, 2,500 people were evacuated from the south‑eastern Var region after a blaze erupted again; meanwhile, a massive fire in the south‑western Gironde region is under control now, allowing about 200,000 residents to return home. In Greece, Portugal, and Spain, thousands of hectares have burned, with local firefighters still battling the flames.

Climate change is raising average temperatures across the continent, with Europe warming twice as fast as the global average according to Copernicus Climate Change Service data. This trend fuels longer, hotter summer periods and increases pressure on water supplies, further heightening the risk of intense wildfires.

Residents are advised to monitor local alerts and follow the precautions issued by health authorities.