Italy heatwave: 25 cities on red alert as UK tourists face 39C

Nearly all of Italy's major cities are on the highest red alert as a heatwave pushes temperatures to 39C, prompting health warnings for tourists and residents.

Brit Brief 02/08/2026 07:11

Italy heatwave: 25 cities on red alert as UK tourists face 39C

Italy is placing nearly all of its major cities under the highest level of heat alert, with temperatures forecast to reach 39C on Monday, August 3.

Weather maps generated using WXCharts show large parts of the country turning dark red as the intense heat builds. Of the 27 cities officially monitored, 25 will be placed under the "red alert" category on Monday, as the prolonged heatwave continues to affect the popular tourist destination.

Health warnings issued

Temperatures had already reached the mid-30s Celsius in many areas on Saturday, prompting authorities to warn about the health risks of the extreme heat. Officials stressed that the danger is not limited to vulnerable groups such as older adults, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions, but can also affect healthy and physically active individuals.

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Italy's health ministry has advised people in affected areas to limit exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 6pm. People are encouraged to stay indoors whenever possible and to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Wildfires across Europe

The high alert comes as many European countries continue to battle devastating wildfires. Italy, France, Spain and Greece have all faced major fires in recent days. On Thursday, a major wildfire also broke out in the UK county of Suffolk.

The heatwave is being driven by a subtropical anticyclone originating from North Africa, which has intensified as it spreads across the Mediterranean region.