16 cities on red alert for heatwave on Tuesday.
Italy’s health ministry has issued a red alert warning for 16 major cities on Tuesday, rising to 17 on Wednesday, as a heatwave continues to sweep the country.
The 16 Italian cities included in the level-three heat warning on Tuesday are: Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Rieti, Rome, Turin, Trieste and Verona.
Venice will be added to the other 16 cities on the red alert list on Wednesday.
Italy’s bollino rosso alert indicates emergency conditions with possible negative effects on not just the elderly, sick or very young, but also on healthy and active people.
Allerta #ondatedicalore
21, 22 e 23/8 previsto bollino rossoAttiva H24 la sala operativa della Protezione Civile ai num. 800854854 o 06.67109200
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Nel video le indicazioni del Direttore del Dip. Protezione Civile di Roma Capitale, Napolitano. pic.twitter.com/J6w2cWyBDK
— Roma (@Roma) August 21, 2023
In addition to high temperatures, Italy is experiencing intense humidity or Afa, a muggy air typical of the midsummer season.
The health ministry guidelines to help people cope with the heat include a recommendation to avoid exposure to the sun and outdoor activity in the middle of the day.
People are advised to drink plenty of water, eat lightly and preserve their medication properly, as well as paying particular attention to the wellbeing of babies, children, the elderly and pets.
Tourists walking around Rome can avail of the ubiquitous nasoni drinking fountains but should note that the city’s historic fountains are off-limits, no matter how hot it gets, with fines of €450 for those caught entering the waters.
This summer Italy launched the 1500 helpline to provide useful tips on how to deal with the heat as well as information about social and health services available around the country.
For heatwave details see health ministry website.