Italy’s pleasant temperatures are ending, with a significant heatwave forecast to hit the country starting Thursday and potentially lasting until mid-August. Meteorologist Federico Brescia from iLMeteo.it warns of an aggressive surge in African high pressure driving the intense heat.
The Azores High will bring stable, sunny conditions nationwide from today, except for localized showers in the South, particularly across Puglia and Basilicata. Temperatures will remain comfortable initially, with highs not exceeding 30-32°C.
“From Thursday,” Brescia emphasized, “hot air from North Africa will sweep across Italy, causing a sharp spike in temperatures. By the weekend, many areas, including northern plains, are expected to surpass 35°C. The heatwave will peak at 37-38°C in various locations, potentially reaching 40°C in the South.”
This African high-pressure system is predicted to dominate until at least mid-August, ensuring stable, sunny weather across most of Italy. Temperatures will consistently stay above seasonal averages.
Regional Forecast Details:**
**Monday, August 4:** North: Sunny, increasing max temps. Centre: Lingering showers in Abruzzo, sunny elsewhere. South: Variable with local showers, especially Puglia and Basilicata.
**Tuesday, August 5:** North: Sunny, temps rising. Centre: Clear, temps rising. South: Improving with sunny spells, temps rising.
**Wednesday, August 6:** North: Sunny and hot. Centre: Clear with markedly increasing heat. South: Clear or partly cloudy and hot.
Trend:** High pressure strengthening, bringing widespread sunshine and increasingly intense African heat.