Heat Alert Raised in Florence as Red Warning Issued for Saturday

Florence is facing increasingly severe heat conditions as the latest bulletin from the Italian Ministry of Health confirms an orange heat alert (Level 2) for Thursday, June 18, 2026 and Friday, June 19, 2026 with a red alert (Level 3) expected on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

The red alert is the highest warning level in Italy’s national heatwave prevention system and is issued when intense heat and bioclimatic discomfort persist for several consecutive days, creating health risks for the entire population, not only for vulnerable groups.

Temperatures in the city are already high. At 11:15 a.m., the weather station at Florence’s Botanical Garden recorded 33.7°C (92.7°F), while readings reached 32°C (89.6°F) at the Boboli Gardens and 31.5°C (88.7°F) at the University of Florence station. On Wednesday, maximum temperatures peaked at 35.2°C (95.4°F) at the Botanical Garden, 34.2°C (93.6°F) at Boboli and 33.6°C (92.5°F) at the university station.

According to forecasts, the perceived temperature is expected to reach 36°C (96.8°F) on Thursday, rising to 37°C (98.6°F) on Friday and remaining at similar levels on Saturday. Actual air temperatures during the hottest hours of the day could reach 35°C (95°F) today, 36°C (96.8°F) on Friday and 37°C (98.6°F) on Saturday.

Health authorities advise residents and visitors to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, typically between late morning and early evening. People are also encouraged to drink water regularly, avoid strenuous outdoor activities and check on elderly relatives, young children and those with chronic health conditions.

The heatwave comes as much of central Italy experiences unusually high temperatures for mid-June, increasing concerns about heat-related illnesses and pressure on public health services.

Practical advice

• Stay hydrated throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Avoid outdoor physical activity during peak afternoon hours.
• Seek air-conditioned or shaded environments whenever possible.
• Never leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.
• Pay particular attention to older adults and people with existing medical conditions.

The Ministry of Health updates its heatwave bulletins daily for major Italian cities during the summer season.

(Cover photo by Richard Vanlerberghe via Unsplash)

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