Florence and Tuscany brace for early heatwave after late-season snow

Just a week after unusual late-season snowfall returned to parts of Tuscany’s mountains, Florence and much of central Italy are now preparing for what meteorologists describe as the first significant heatwave of 2026.

Forecasts for Florence indicate temperatures could reach 34-35°C (93-95°F) between Tuesday 26 May and Wednesday 27 May 2026, with persistent sunshine and conditions more typical of mid-summer than late May. The sharp shift follows the cold spell that recently brought snow back to higher elevations in the Apennines and on Mount Amiata, an uncommon event for this stage of spring.

Temperatures rising across Tuscany

According to forecasts released on Saturday, warm air linked to a strong subtropical high-pressure system is expected to push temperatures 6-7 degrees above seasonal averages across central and northern Italy. Tuscany is among the regions expected to experience the most intense heat.

In Florence, temperatures are forecast to rise steadily over the next few days, from around 30°C (86°F) during the weekend to peaks of 34-35°C (93-95°F) by the middle of next week. Other inland Tuscan cities, including Prato, Pistoia and Arezzo, are also expected to see unusually high temperatures for May.

Coastal areas are likely to remain slightly cooler thanks to sea breezes, although temperatures there are still expected to stay above average.

From mountain snow to summer heat

The unusually rapid transition from snow to near-summer heat highlights the increasingly unstable weather patterns affecting Italy in recent years. On 17 May, snowfalls were reported again in parts of Tuscany’s mountain areas, including the Apennines, after a colder-than-average period for the season.

The contrast between the recent cold spell and the expected heatwave is particularly striking in Tuscany, where spring weather can vary significantly between the coast, valleys and higher elevations, but rarely shifts so dramatically within a few days.

Florence prepares for first major heatwave of 2026

While Florence and inland Tuscany are expected to remain mostly dry and sunny through at least Wednesday, conditions may be less stable in southern Italy and along parts of the Adriatic coast, where cooler air moving from the Balkans could still trigger isolated thunderstorms.

Meteorologists warn that the first hot spell of the year could increase discomfort in cities such as Florence, where stone buildings, limited green areas in the historic centre and heavy tourist flows can intensify the effects of high temperatures.

Night-time temperatures are also expected to rise, especially in densely built urban areas where heat tends to accumulate after sunset.

Advice for residents and visitors

Health authorities generally advise residents and visitors to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and pay particular attention to elderly people and young children.

People planning outdoor activities in Florence and Tuscany over the coming days are also encouraged to carry water, use sunscreen and expect crowded public spaces and warmer conditions on public transport during the afternoon.

According to current forecasts, temperatures could begin to ease slightly toward the end of next week, with a possible increase in instability over inland and mountainous areas of Tuscany.

(Cover photo: Heidi Kaden via Unsplash)

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