Overview
- A new African heat dome has moved over Italy and is strengthening, with forecasts showing the event will peak this weekend and persist into late June.
- Meteorologists predict daytime highs of about 38–39°C and some inland spots nearing 40°C, with the North, Centre and inland Sardinia most exposed.
- The Ministry of Health has placed eight cities under level‑2 “bollino arancione” warnings for vulnerable people and issued advice to avoid sun exposure in the hottest hours.
- Nighttime minima are expected to rise into “tropical night” levels often above 20°C and in some urban areas near 25–28°C, worsening sleep and heat stress for city residents.
- A national helpline (1500) will be activated from Monday 22 June to give prevention advice and information on local services as authorities prepare for continued heat and possible localized storms in mountain areas.