Southern Italy braces for another five days of exceptional heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to 42-45°C in Sicily through Saturday. This intense heat stems from the African high-pressure system expanding across the southern regions. Simultaneously, northern Italy faces severe weather starting Thursday as a distant cyclone from Ireland approaches. The system will trigger thunderstorms, cloudbursts, and strong wind gusts, initially impacting the North before worsening nationwide over the weekend.
Meteorologist Lorenzo Tedici of iLMeteo.it forecasts temporary respite in Northern Italy until Wednesday afternoon, though isolated thunderstorms may persist in the Northeast. Meanwhile, Southern regions—including Puglia, Basilicata, and Calabria—will endure temperatures exceeding 40°C.
A storm front will sweep into Northern Italy by Wednesday evening, bringing potentially violent weather, particularly above the Po River basin. From Thursday, heavy rains and severe conditions will extend across the entire North, lasting through Saturday.
Regional Breakdown:**
– *Tuesday 22:* North—Isolated Alpine rain; elsewhere sunny. Central—Sunny and hot. South—Sunny, 44°C.
– *Wednesday 23:* North—Evening/night storms over Alps, Prealps, and high plains. Central—Sunny and hot. South—Persistent sun and intense heat.
– *Thursday 24:* North—Severe weather, especially Northwest. Central—Sunny, slightly cooler. South—Sunny, extreme heat continues.
The weekend will see widespread deterioration as a cyclone arrives, ending Southern Italy’s African heatwave by Sunday morning.