Italy declares nationwide red heat alert for major cities

Italy has placed all 27 of its major cities under the highest heat alert as the country's fourth heatwave of the summer pushes temperatures close to 40C.

The Italian Health Ministry said all cities monitored by its heat surveillance system will be under a red alert by Thursday, marking the first time this year that every monitored city has reached the highest warning level.

A red alert indicates an increased risk of health emergencies caused by prolonged extreme heat and applies to the entire population, not only vulnerable groups.

Authorities have advised people to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, remain indoors where possible, drink at least 1.5 litres of water daily, and avoid alcohol, coffee, fizzy drinks and heavy meals.

The heatwave has been linked to four recent deaths, including a 19-year-old tomato picker and a 40-year-old carpenter, while drought conditions continue to worsen across northern Italy.

The prolonged dry weather has also strained water supplies in more than 100 towns and affected agriculture, with lower crop yields and reduced milk production reported.

Atmospheric physicist Lorenzo Giovannini told Ansa news agency that this summer's heatwaves were already above average for both intensity and duration, adding that the climate crisis was making them "longer and more intense".

Cities including Rome have introduced measures such as free access to air-conditioned cultural venues and extended evening opening hours at major tourist sites.