Italy issues red heatwave alert for four cities

Italy on Wednesday placed four major cities under red heatwave alert as an intense early-season heatwave sweeping across Europe pushed temperatures higher nationwide.



According to the Italian Health Ministry, Rome, Florence, Turin and Bologna will be upgraded to the highest-level red alert on Thursday amid forecasts of further temperature increases.



Authorities warned that perceived temperatures in the affected cities could climb to as high as 35 degrees Celsius, posing health risks to the general population, particularly vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and people with pre-existing medical conditions.



Under the red alert, residents have been advised to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, between 11 a.m. and

4 p.m., when extreme heat can trigger heatstroke, dehydration and sunburn.