Italy Faces Scorching Heat Wave
Severe Heat Wave Threatens Italy
Italy is bracing for a severe heat wave that will push temperatures up to 12 degrees higher than usual for this time of year. Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici from iLMeteo.it reports that this heat wave will affect the entire Peninsula, including the previously cooler North.
From Tuesday, June 18, temperatures will surge, hitting peaks of 39 degrees in Oristano, Sardinia; 36 degrees in Puglia; 35 degrees in Terni, Umbria; and 34 degrees in Rome. The heat wave will intensify further between Wednesday, June 19, and Friday, June 21, with some areas possibly reaching 44 degrees.
High temperatures are expected to push major cities like Rome, Naples, and Florence up to 40 degrees. Provinces like Benevento and Taranto are anticipated to reach 41 degrees, with Agrigento, Caserta, Foggia, Macerata, Syracuse, and Terni hitting 40 degrees.
Rising temperatures are primarily attributed to a high-pressure area from Africa, noted as “Minos.” The African heat will bring maximum temperatures of up to 42 degrees in the central north as early as Tuesday, June 18. Apulia, Sicily, and Sardinia will experience even higher temperatures, expected to climb to 38 degrees or more.
Dust and clouds, especially on the western side, may bring some gray skies, but they will hardly reduce the intense heat. The hottest parts of Sardinia, far from the sea breeze, could see temperatures soaring to 44°C.
Impacts and Future Trends
Although temperatures will slightly vary due to cloud cover, the heat wave will remain intense until Friday. According to forecasts, the north of Italy will experience some relief with cooler temperatures hovering around 29 to 31 degrees in regions like Piedmont and Lombardy. However, other areas like Bologna and Rovigo may still reach up to 35 degrees.
This intense heat wave isn't confined to Italy alone. The first heat wave of 2024 is also affecting Austria, with temperatures climbing over 30 degrees. Heat warnings have been issued for Austria from Wednesday, with possible isolated thunderstorms. Other European nations like Greece and Turkey have also faced unusual heat waves this year.
- IN DETAIL:
- Tuesday, June 18. North: all sun and heat. Center: ample sunshine, increasing heat. South: sunny and warm.
- Wednesday, June 19. North: cloudy with heat and sultriness. Center: bright sunshine, heat above 35°C, peaks of 43-44°C in Sardinia. South: further rising temperatures.
- Thursday, June 20. North: oppressive heat and sultriness. Center: prevailing sun, heat up to 38-39°C including in Rome. South: heat reaching up to 41°C.
- Trend: increasingly strong heat wave until Friday, with thunderstorms expected in the weekend.
