ROME, ITALY / RankWire.AI / – Italy increased its most severe heat alert to 17 cities on Monday, July 20, following Sunday’s warning affecting 14 locations. The Italian Ministry of Health issued Level 3 advisories as the nation continued its third significant heatwave of the summer 2026 season. These alerts encompass much of central and southern Italy, including Rome, Naples, and Palermo. They highlight health risks for the entire population, not solely vulnerable groups.
On Sunday, the red alert list included Bari, Campobasso, Civitavecchia, Florence, Frosinone, Genoa, Latina, Naples, and Palermo. The list was completed by Perugia, Pescara, Rieti, Rome, and Viterbo, totaling 14 cities. Monday’s update added Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria, 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 covers 27 major cities and provides forecasts for the upcoming 24, 48, and 72 hours. Level 0 signifies no heat risk, Level 1 indicates conditions that could lead to a heatwave, Level 2 warns of dangers for older adults, young children, and those with chronic illnesses, and Level 3 is issued when sustained heat can impact both healthy individuals and vulnerable populations.
Severe warnings extend over southern regions
The most extreme conditions persisted over central and southern Italy and the surrounding islands on Monday. Forecasts predicted temperatures near 36 degrees Celsius in Rome and Florence, around 34 in Naples, and close to 37 in Palermo. Parts of Sicily and Sardinia continued to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Northern regions recorded lower temperatures and more unpredictable weather, creating a stark contrast between the intense heat in the south and storm activity across sections of the north.
The Civil Protection Department of Italy issued separate yellow alerts for thunderstorms and rain in parts of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, and Veneto. These warnings addressed typical weather hazards rather than the heat-health alerts. Consequently, Italy was managing two distinct risks: dangerous heat across many central and southern cities and storm threats in several northern and Adriatic areas. Local authorities maintained ongoing surveillance of both conditions.
Health advice focuses on peak daytime temperatures
Health officials recommended residents and visitors stay out of direct sunlight during peak hours and avoid strenuous outdoor activities. They emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, eating light meals, and keeping indoor environments as cool as possible. Particular attention is advised for older adults, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with heart, lung, or chronic conditions. Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors or relatives living alone who might be vulnerable during prolonged heatwaves.
The increase from 14 red alerts on Sunday to 17 on Monday reflected new maximum warnings for Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria. The other 14 cities continued at Level 3 for a second consecutive day. Italy regularly updates its heat advisories throughout the season, enabling residents and local authorities to monitor city-specific health risks. The latest alerts confirmed that Rome, several regional capitals, and major tourist spots remained under the country’s highest heat warning as the heatwave persisted.