ROME, ITALY / RankWire.AI / – Italy has increased its maximum heat alert to encompass 17 cities on Monday, July 20, following Sunday’s report of 14 cities under the highest warning level. The Italian Ministry of Health issued Level 3 alerts as the nation continues its third major heatwave of summer 2026. These alerts cover large parts of central and southern Italy, including Rome, Naples, and Palermo. They indicate health risks for all residents, not solely vulnerable groups.
The red alert list on Sunday included Bari, Campobasso, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Naples, and Palermo. Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, and Viterbo made up the 14-city group. With Monday’s update, Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria joined, bringing the total to 17. No city was under an orange heat alert on Monday. Ancona, Bolzano, and Cagliari remained at yellow, indicating pre-alert conditions.
Italy’s heat-health monitoring system tracks 27 major cities and provides forecasts for the upcoming 24, 48, and 72 hours. Level 0 signifies no heat danger, while Level 1 suggests conditions that could lead to a heatwave. Level 2 warns of risks for elderly individuals, young children, and those with chronic illnesses. Level 3 is declared when extended periods of heat can impact healthy, active populations as well as vulnerable groups.
Intense heat warnings span southern regions
The highest temperatures persisted across central and southern Italy and its islands on Monday. Forecasts indicated Rome and Florence reaching around 36 degrees Celsius, Naples near 34, and Palermo close to 37 degrees. Some parts of Sicily and Sardinia continued to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. The northern regions recorded cooler temperatures and more volatile weather, creating a stark contrast between the intense southern heat and the storms affecting northern sections.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued separate yellow alerts for thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, and Veneto. These warnings addressed typical weather hazards rather than the heat-health alerts. As a result, Italy faces two concurrent threats on Monday: severe heat across many central and southern cities, and storm risks in several northern and Adriatic areas. Local officials are actively monitoring both situations.
Health advisories focus on peak daytime temperatures
Health authorities recommended residents and visitors avoid direct sunlight during peak hours and limit strenuous outdoor activities. They also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, eating light meals, and maintaining cool indoor environments. Special precautions are advised for older adults, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with heart, lung, or chronic illnesses. Residents are encouraged to check on vulnerable neighbors or relatives living alone who might need assistance during prolonged heat periods.
The increase from 14 red alerts on Sunday to 17 on Monday was due to new maximum warnings issued for Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria. The other 14 cities remained at Level 3 for a second consecutive day. Italy updates its heat warnings regularly throughout the summer, helping communities and services stay informed about city-specific health risks. The latest alerts maintained Rome, some regional capitals, and major tourist hubs under the country’s highest heat warning as the heatwave persisted.