Red heat alert to remain in place in Florence until June 24, 2026

Florence will remain under a red heat alert until Wednesday, 24 June, as an intense heatwave continues to affect the city and much of central Italy.

According to the latest bulletin from Italy’s Ministry of Health, the highest level of heat warning is in force on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday because of the potential impact of extreme temperatures on public health.

Forecasts indicate severe heat stress conditions over the next three days. The perceived temperature is expected to reach 37°C (99°F) on Monday and 38°C (100°F) on both Tuesday and Wednesday, while actual daytime temperatures could climb to around 36°C.

Weather stations across Florence are already recording unusually high readings. By late morning on Monday, the station at the Botanical Garden had reached 35.1°C, while temperatures stood at 33.4°C in the Boboli Gardens and 30.7°C at the Florence University station.

Data from Sunday underline the intensity of the heatwave. Maximum temperatures reached 39.3°C at the Botanical Garden, 37.7°C at the Boboli Gardens and 36.9°C at Florence University.

A red alert is issued when intense heat and bioclimatic discomfort persist for several consecutive days and may affect the health of the entire population, not only vulnerable groups such as older people, children and those with chronic medical conditions.

The warning coincides with preparations for the Feast of San Giovanni on 24 June, one of Florence’s most important annual celebrations. The city’s patron saint is traditionally honoured with religious ceremonies, the historic final of Calcio Storico in Piazza Santa Croce and an evening fireworks display over the Arno River, events that typically attract large crowds of residents and visitors.

Health authorities recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, drinking water regularly, limiting outdoor physical activity and checking on elderly relatives, neighbours and other vulnerable people.

The Ministry of Health has also published a series of practical recommendations to reduce the health risks associated with prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Update, June 23

Florence’s red heat alert has been extended through Wednesday, June 25, according to the latest bulletin from Italy’s Ministry of Health. Maximum perceived temperatures are forecast to reach 38°C (100°F) on Monday, 36°C (97°F) on Tuesday, and 37°C (99°F) on Wednesday. Early on Monday morning, temperatures had already exceeded 32°C (90°F) at the city’s Botanical Garden monitoring station, while the Boboli Gardens recorded 31.8°C (89°F).

(Cover photo by Michelle Maria from Pixabay)

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