Italy is facing a severe heatwave with all 27 major cities set to be under the highest heat alert on Thursday, as temperatures soar towards 39C. This marks the first time this year that every city monitored by Italy’s Health Ministry’s heat surveillance system is on maximum red warning status.

On Wednesday, 25 cities were already under the highest alert, with two more cities set to join on Thursday. A red alert in Italy indicates the expectation of prolonged extreme heat posing a health risk to the entire population, not just vulnerable groups. Authorities have issued public health guidance, advising residents to avoid direct sunlight between 11am and 6pm, stay indoors, and stay hydrated.

The scorching temperatures are not expected to ease for at least a week, with the current heatwave being linked to several deaths. The heatwave has also exacerbated drought conditions in the Po Valley, leading to water shortages in over 100 towns in Piedmont and Lombardy. Farmers report crop yield reductions, accelerated grape ripening, and a decrease in milk production due to the intense heat.

In response, Rome authorities are offering free entry to air-conditioned venues and extending opening hours at popular tourist sites. Forecasters predict little relief from the heatwave in the near future. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and severity of heatwaves to human-induced climate change, with Europe warming at a rate more than double the global average since the 1980s.