Europe’s prolonged heatwave has claimed at least four lives in Italy since Monday, as dangerously high temperatures continue to affect large parts of the continent. According to Sky Tg24, 25 Italian cities remained under the highest red-level heat alert on Tuesday, with authorities warning that the extreme conditions could persist through Wednesday.
The victims include an 86-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman who were already receiving treatment at a hospital in Genoa, a 64-year-old house painter who collapsed while working at a hotel in Padua, and a 55-year-old Moroccan farm worker in Mantua.
Health officials have urged residents, particularly older adults, children, and people with underlying medical conditions, to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day.
While the heat continues to grip much of Italy, parts of the country have begun experiencing a change in weather. Thunderstorms and heavy rain have hit some regions, with Tuscany reporting fallen trees and traffic disruptions caused by strong winds and intense rainfall. Forecasters expect more showers and thunderstorms later in the day, especially across the Alps and inland areas of central and southern Italy.
Italy is not alone in battling the extreme weather. Several other European countries, including France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, have also faced soaring temperatures, prompting heat warnings, wildfire concerns, and restrictions on outdoor work in some regions. Emergency services across southern Europe remain on high alert as the combination of intense heat, dry conditions, and strong winds continues to increase the risk of wildfires.
Meteorologists say the heatwave is being driven by a powerful dome of high-pressure air stretching across southern and western Europe. Although some areas are expected to receive temporary relief from thunderstorms, forecasters warn that above-average temperatures could continue in several parts of the continent over the coming days.
