Italy is facing its third heat wave of this summer. Starting Tuesday, July 14, hot Saharan air from Algeria will sweep across the country, pushing central and southern Italy as well as Sardinia and Sicily into a days-long state of emergency. According to consistent forecasts from Italian weather services, peak temperatures in the inland regions of the islands could reach up to 45 degrees Celsius, while high humidity along the coastlines will add an oppressive mugginess to the heat. Meteorologists place the peak of the heat wave between July 17 and 20.
Anyone currently traveling through Italy or living there should prepare for one of the most intense heat episodes of the summer. The previous heat waves in June had already drawn attention, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius and red heat alerts issued for 16 major cities. The current phase promises to be even more extreme.
Where the heat is coming from
The approaching heat wave is being driven by a powerful North African high-pressure systemmoving northward from Algeria across the Mediterranean. According to MeteoGiornale , the air masses originate from Algeria's desert interior and this time will engulf the entire Italian peninsula as well as both major islands. The high-pressure ridge compresses the air in the lower atmospheric layers, pushing temperatures even higher.
Particularly remarkable are the expected temperatures at altitude. At 1,500 meters, temperatures could come close to 30 degrees Celsius, figures that were once recorded only over the Sahara. Climate scientists say such isotherms are now the norm across the Mediterranean and are a direct consequence of climate change. The European Union's Copernicus climate service recently confirmed that June 2026 was the second warmest June on record worldwide, and the warmest June ever recorded in Western Europe.
The affected regions at a glance
Southern Italy will be hit hardest by the heat. Sardinia and Sicily are at the center of forecasts: inland areas of both islands are expected to see highs of 43 to 44 degrees Celsius, with isolated spots potentially reaching up to 45 degrees. On Sicily, the provinces of Catania, Syracuse, Enna, and Caltanissetta will be particularly affected.
Calabria and Apulia will also be struck with full force. In the inland areas of the Tavoliere in northern Apulia and in the Calabrian interior, temperatures of 42 to 44 degrees Celsius are expected. Campania around Naples will reach peak temperatures between 35 and 38 degrees Celsius, compounded by oppressive humidity along the coast. Basilicata is also reporting up to 42 degrees Celsius in its inland valleys.
Northern Italy and South Tyrol
Northern Italy will remain on the fringe of the heat wave, but will still be affected by well-above-average temperatures. In the Po Valley, readings between 30 and 36 degrees Celsius are likely, and the superheated air will increase the risk of severe thunderstorms bringing heavy rain and large hail. These storms typically develop in the late afternoon and evening, when cooler air masses from the Alps collide with the overheated Po Valley.
For South Tyrol , MeteoGiornale forecasts summery highs between 30 and 34 degrees Celsius in the valleys. Isolated thunderstorms may develop in the Alps, particularly in the afternoon and evening hours. Those who have a trip planned to Trentino or South Tyrol will get off relatively lightly by comparison.
Tropical nights and the urban heat island effect
A defining feature of the current heat wave is the phenomenon of notti tropicali, tropical nights during which temperatures do not drop below 26 to 27 degrees Celsius. This leaves the body with no opportunity to release the heat accumulated during the day, and recovery remains elusive. In cities especially, the problem is amplified by the urban heat island effect: buildings, roads, and plazas retain heat and release it only slowly, even at night.
Meteorologists are therefore warning of serious health risks, particularly in Rome, Florence, Bologna, Milan, and Naples. Vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, people with chronic illnesses, and those who work long hours outdoors face the greatest danger. The Italian Ministry of Health publishes daily alerts for each individual city in the Bollettino delle Ondate di Calore.
What travelers should do now
Anyone traveling to Italy in the coming days should keep a few important guidelines in mind. Direct sun exposure should be avoided as much as possible between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Staying adequately hydrated is essential, ideally with water or isotonic drinks, as alcohol and heavily sweetened beverages place additional strain on the circulatory system. Air-conditioned spaces are the safest option during the day.
Those who have planned a city trip to Roma, Firenze or Napoli may want to consider whether the trip can be postponed to a cooler week. While museums, restaurants, and public transportation are often air-conditioned, long waits in direct sunlight and sightseeing tours through overheated city centers quickly become a serious burden. Cooler alternatives include coastal towns with a sea breeze, the Alps, and the mountains of central Italy.
A Summer of Extremes
The third heat wave of the summer of 2026 confirms a trend that has been taking shape for years. Climate researchers attribute the increasing intensity, frequency, and duration of such heat events to human-caused climate change Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, according to calculations by the Copernicus Climate Change Service, and the Mediterranean region is among the most severely affected areas in the world. The surface temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is currently about two degrees above the long-term average, contributing to increased evaporation, higher humidity, and extreme weather events.
For Italy, this means preparing for a long and hot summer. More details on Italy's warning system and on how Italians approach extreme temperatures with their characteristic art of living can be found in our background article on heat in Italy. Based on current forecasts some relief is not expected before July 20 at the earliest, when cooler air masses from northern Europe may reach the country. Until then, it is essential to consistently follow the guidelines for dealing with extreme heat.
