Italy Issues Orange Heat Alert for 12 Cities as Temperatures Near 35C

4 articles · Updated · Wanted in Rome · May 26

Twelve Italian cities, including Rome, Florence and Venice, were placed under a Level 2 orange heat warning on May 26 in the country’s first heatwave of 2026.
Temperatures are expected to approach 35C on Tuesday and Wednesday after high pressure settled over the peninsula, bringing conditions forecasters said are more typical of July than late May.
The orange alert stays in force on Wednesday for the same 12 cities, with Latina, Milan and Verona added, while Genova, Naples and others face lower Level 1 yellow warnings.
Health officials urged elderly people, the sick and young children to avoid midday sun, stop strenuous outdoor activity, drink water and check on vulnerable neighbors.
A slight easing is forecast from Thursday as the North African anticyclone weakens, potentially ending the early-season heat spike after several days.

Europe's new disaster plan exists, but are citizens ignoring deadly heat warnings until it's too late?

With 'July in May' heat now a reality, what will a typical summer look like for Europeans by 2040?

As extreme heat reduces solar panel efficiency, how will Europe power its increasing demand for air conditioning?