Italy is placing nearly all of its major cities on the highest heat alert, known as the 'red alert,' as a strong heatwave grips the country ahead of Monday. By then, 25 out of 27 major Italian cities will be under this highest level warning, with only Reggio Calabria and Messina remaining on the second-highest amber alert [1, 2, 3].
The extreme heat is being driven by a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa that has strengthened over the Mediterranean region [1]. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-30s to high 30s Celsius across regions starting between August 1 and August 3 [1, 2].
On Sunday, four cities were already on red alert, but the number is set to increase drastically by Monday as Ancona and Bari join the red alert list along with many others [3]. This marks the fifth major heatwave Italy has faced in 2026, following intense spells in late May, late June, mid-July, and late July into early August [3].
The Italian Health Ministry has emphasized that this highest alert level means the heat can affect even healthy and active individuals, not only vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, or those with chronic illnesses. The ministry stated, "The highest alert level for heat means the weather is 'likely to have harmful effects on the health of healthy and active people, and not only on at-risk groups such as the elderly, very young children, and people with chronic illnesses'" [2].
To mitigate health risks, the Health Ministry advises avoiding sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., staying indoors when possible, and drinking plenty of fluids [1].
The government monitors a total of 27 major cities nationwide. The growing number under red alert underscores the severity of the current heatwave impacting much of Italy [1, 2, 3]. The red alert is in effect for these cities by Monday, August 3, indicating sustained dangerous heat conditions across the country.
