Florence is bracing for extreme heat in the coming days, with temperatures expected to reach 40°C (104°F) by Sunday, June 29. According to forecasts by iLMeteo.it, this could be one of the most intense heatwaves since the infamous summer of 2003.
The entire country is under the grip of a powerful anticyclone, which will likely persist for at least ten days. A first heat peak is expected on Thursday, followed by a more intense one on Sunday. A slight drop in temperatures is only anticipated after Wednesday, July 2.
In Florence and other central cities like Ferrara and Terni, daytime highs will climb to 40°C, while minimum nighttime temperatures will remain above 25°C, creating so-called “tropical nights. Northern cities such as Milan and southern regions will experience similar conditions, with widespread highs above 38–39°C.
The Italian Ministry of Health has issued a red alert (level 3, the highest risk) for six cities on Thursday June 26 and Friday June 27, including Florence. This level signals emergency conditions that can affect not only vulnerable individuals but also healthy, active people. On Wednesday, these same cities—Florence, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Perugia, and Turin—are under orange alert (level 2), indicating possible health risks, particularly for the elderly, young children, and those with chronic illnesses.
The public is advised to limit outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous exercise. The intense heat is also expected to be accompanied by high humidity, strong sun exposure, and poor ventilation—conditions that significantly increase health risks.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation and preparing for possible health emergencies.