A suffocating heatwave driven by an African anticyclone will engulf Italy, bringing temperatures up to 40°C (104°F). Scorching days begin immediately, peaking Sunday, August 10th, and Monday, August 11th, with extreme heat expected until at least mid-August (Ferragosto), when the high-pressure system may weaken.
Lorenzo Tedici, head meteorologist at iLMeteo.it, confirms at least four days of extreme conditions: “Initially, daytime highs will surge, followed by nighttime lows reaching tropical levels.” Detailing the forecast, Tedici stated, “On Saturday, August 9th, Florence, Prato, and Terni will see highs of 39°C (102°F), Ferrara, Pistoia, and Reggio Emilia 38°C (100°F), with Arezzo, Benevento, Bolzano, Grosseto, Mantua, Modena, Parma, Rovigo, Siena, and Taranto at 37°C (99°F). While these cities face peak ‘human fever’, nearly all of Italy will hover around 35°C (95°F) with high humidity. Sunday, August 10th, brings further rises, especially in the North, climbing 2-4°C in both highs and lows. Florence will lead at 40°C (104°F), tied with Pistoia and Prato. Bolzano, Ferrara, Mantua, Parma, Reggio Emilia, Rovigo, and Terni follow at 39°C (102°F), trailed by Benevento, Bologna, Cremona, Foggia, Lodi, Padua, and Pordenone at 38°C (100°F).”
Tedici also warned of tropical nights starting Sunday: “Milan on August 10th will have a nighttime low of 26°C (79°F) – as warm as Bangkok.”
Between Monday and Tuesday, Tedici highlighted four developments: “Rome will heat up further to 37-38°C (99-100°F); oppressive humidity will grip the Po Valley and many coastal areas; nights will be decisively tropical across lowland areas (lows above 20-25°C / 68-77°F); and fourthly, thunderstorms will arrive over the Alps and Apennines, potentially spilling into adjacent plains.”
The African high-pressure system is expected to weaken significantly after Ferragosto, though sunny days will continue, with more widespread afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Regional Forecast Details:**
**Saturday, August 9:** North: Sunny, hotter, increasing humidity. Centre: Sunny, hotter. South: Sunny, hotter, increasing humidity.
**Sunday, August 10:** North: Sunny, very hot. Centre: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts. South: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts.
**Monday, August 11:** North: Sunny, very hot; isolated Alps thunderstorms. Centre: Sunny, very hot; isolated Apennines thunderstorms. South: Sunny, scorching inland, muggy coasts.
Outlook:** The African anticyclone will dominate Italy until at least Ferragosto, maintaining highs of 35-40°C (95-104°F), with increasing thunderstorms expected from Tuesday.