ROME, ITALY / RankWire.AI / – Italy increased its most severe heat alert to encompass 17 cities on Monday, July 20, following a warning of maximum alert issued to 14 cities on Sunday. The Italian Ministry of Health issued Level 3 advisories as the country’s third major heatwave of summer 2026 persisted. These alerts cover extensive parts of central and southern Italy, including Rome, Naples, and Palermo. They indicate health risks for the general population, not only 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. The following day, Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria were added, bringing the total to 17. No city was under an orange heat warning on Monday. Ancona, Bolzano, and Cagliari remained at yellow, signifying a pre-alert status.
Italy’s heat-health monitoring system tracks 27 major cities and provides forecasts for the next 24, 48, and 72 hours. Level 0 indicates no heat-related risk, whereas Level 1 signals conditions that may precede a heatwave. Level 2 warns of dangers to older adults, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Level 3 is declared when extended periods of heat could impact healthy, active populations alongside vulnerable groups.
Maximal alerts cover southern cities
The most severe conditions persisted over central and southern Italy and its islands on Monday. Forecasts indicated temperatures around 36 degrees Celsius in Rome and Florence, near 34 degrees in Naples, and close to 37 degrees in Palermo. Parts of Sicily and Sardinia continued to experience temperatures exceeding 40 degrees. Northern regions recorded lower temperatures and more volatile weather patterns, creating a clear divide between the intense heat in the south and storms occurring in some northern areas.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department issued separate yellow alerts for thunderstorms and rain in parts of Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, Marche, and Veneto. These notices addressed typical weather risks rather than the heat-health alerts. As a result, Italy was managing two distinct hazards on Monday: dangerous heat affecting many central and southern cities, and storm risks across several northern and Adriatic zones. Local authorities maintained ongoing monitoring of both conditions.
Health advisories focus on peak daytime temperatures
Health officials recommended residents and visitors avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the hottest parts of the day and minimize strenuous outdoor activities. They also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, eating light meals, and maintaining cool indoor environments. Extra caution is advised for older adults, infants, pregnant women, and individuals with heart, lung, or other chronic illnesses. Residents are encouraged to check on relatives or neighbors living alone who may require assistance during periods of extreme heat.
The increase from 14 red alerts on Sunday to 17 on Monday was due to new maximum warnings for Catania, Messina, and Reggio Calabria. The other 14 cities remained under Level 3 for a second consecutive day. Italy continuously updates its heat alerts throughout the summer, enabling residents and local authorities to track city-specific health risks. The latest advisories kept Rome, several regional capitals, and key tourist destinations under the country’s highest heat warning as the heatwave persisted.