Highway traffic across Italy is heavy in stretches on both regular roads and motorways this weekend, designated ‘black sticker’ status for high congestion, as reported by Viabilità Italia during its monitoring session. Significant delays include 3 km queues in both directions at the Ugovizza toll barrier on the A23 Palmanova-Tarvisio route. Heavy traffic also plagues the A22 Modena-Brennero southbound between Carpi and Modena, and northbound between Bolzano Sud and Affi, and Verona Nord and Trento Nord.
A collision occurred shortly before 11:00 AM between Pegognaga and Mantova (northbound), causing 2 km queues. On the A12 Genova-Rosignano, a crash between Recco and Genova Est (northbound) led to 6 km queues, while the A15 experiences heavy traffic between Aulla and the A12 interchange towards La Spezia. The A4 eastbound sees intermittent queues from Brescia to Peschiera; Vicenza Est to Padova Est; Padova Ovest to Dolo; and at the Trieste Lisert barrier, where exiting traffic faces 4 km queues and entering traffic 2 km queues. The A10 has heavy traffic between the A26 interchange and Savona towards Ventimiglia.
On the A14, traffic is heavy southbound between Borgo Panigale and Imola; Cesena and Rimini; and Loreto and Vasto Nord. The A1 southbound reports intense traffic between Lodi and Terre di Canossa; Parma and Modena; Firenze Sud and Incisa; Orvieto and Attigliano; Magliano and Roma Nord; and between the A24 interchange and Colleferro. Additionally, wait times reach one hour both exiting Italy via the Mont Blanc Tunnel and at the Villa San Giovanni ferry terminal for Sicily.
Italy Gripped by Intense Heatwave, Peak Expected August 10-11**
Italy is bracing for oppressive heat and humidity, with temperatures forecast to hit 40°C (104°F). An African anticyclone is driving a powerful new heatwave, with “days of fire” expected starting today, peaking between Sunday, August 10th, and Monday, August 11th. High heat is predicted to persist at least until the Ferragosto holiday (August 15th), when it may begin to weaken.
Lorenzo Tedici, head meteorologist at iLMeteo.it, confirmed the African weather pattern will bring at least 4 days of extreme temperatures: “Initially maximums will rise more, then minimums will also soar towards tropical values.” Detailed forecasts predict Saturday, August 9th: Florence, Prato, and Terni up to 39°C (102°F); Ferrara, Pistoia, Reggio Emilia 38°C (100°F); Arezzo, Benevento, Bolzano, Grosseto, Mantova, Modena, Parma, Rovigo, Siena, Taranto 37°C (99°F). “These cities will have ‘human fever,’ but almost all of Italy will see highs around 35°C (95°F) with high humidity,” Tedici stated.
Temperatures will climb further on Sunday, August 10th, especially in the North, increasing by 2-4°C (3.6-7.2°F) for both maximums and minimums. Florence, Pistoia, and Prato are expected to lead at 40°C (104°F). Bolzano, Ferrara, Mantova, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Rovigo, and Terni follow at 39°C (102°F), with Benevento, Bologna, Cremona, Foggia, Lodi, Padova, and Pordenone among cities at 38°C (100°F). Tropical nights begin Sunday, with Milan forecast a minimum of 26°C (79°F) – “as warm as Bangkok,” Tedici noted.
Four key developments are expected Monday-Tuesday: Rome heating up to 37-38°C (99-100°F); oppressive humidity in the Po Valley and many coastal areas; decidedly tropical nights across plains (minima above 20-25°C / 68-77°F); and thunderstorms developing over the Alps and Apennines, potentially spilling onto adjacent plains. The African high pressure is expected to weaken significantly after Ferragosto, though sunny days will continue with more widespread afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Regional Forecast Details:**
**Sat, Aug 9:** North: Sunny, hotter, more humid. Centre: Sunny, hotter. South: Sunny, hotter, more humid.
**Sun, Aug 10:** North: Sunny, very hot. Centre: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts. South: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts.
**Mon, Aug 11:** North: Sunny, very hot; isolated Alps storms. Centre: Sunny, very hot; isolated Apennines storms. South: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts.
**Trend:** African high pressure over all Italy until at least Ferragosto with highs of 35-40°C (95-104°F); increasing thunderstorms from Tuesday.
Riproduzione riservata © Copyright ANSA