Sicily is experiencing soaring temperatures across all provinces, with highs already exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104°F). According to the Sicilian Agrometeorological Information Service, recorded peaks include 40.5°C (104.9°F) in Modica (Ragusa), 40.1°C (104.2°F) in Lentini (Siracusa), and 40.2°C (104.4°F) in Giuliana (Palermo). Temperatures elsewhere on the island range between 30°C and 39°C, with Palermo reaching 31.7°C (89.1°F) and Catania 38.8°C (101.8°F). The previous day’s maximum recorded by the SIAS network was +41.8°C (107.2°F).
Officials caution against unverified online reports circulating of temperatures surpassing 45°C. “We urge the public to be wary of data circulating online showing temperatures even above 45 degrees,” stated the Sicilian Agrometeorological Service. “These figures, also shared by pages of questionable reliability, reference stations that are absolutely non-compliant with standards and therefore should not be taken into consideration.” This warning specifically addresses claims of +48°C (118.4°F) allegedly recorded at Montagna Grande in the Peloritani mountains.
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