Overview
- Forecasters say a strong subtropical high from North Africa is building over Italy and will push daytime highs toward 38–40°C in some inland areas around Sunday and Monday.
- The Ministry of Health has assigned 'bollino arancione' (level 2) to eight cities, signaling higher risk for older people, children and those with health problems who are advised to avoid direct sun from 11:00 to 18:00.
- Nighttime temperatures are also climbing, with many areas expecting tropical nights above 20°C and some urban spots forecast to stay near or above 25°C, reducing overnight relief.
- Models show the heat will create strong daytime instability that can trigger intense, localized thunderstorms and hail in alpine and pre‑alpine zones, offering only brief relief in parts of the north.
- The government will open the 1500 public helpline starting Monday, June 22 to provide prevention advice and local service info, and authorities warn the event is likely to persist through late June with a risk of breaking monthly records across parts of Europe.