Florence Heatwave Set to Reach Eight Consecutive Days of Red Alert

Florence remains under an intense heatwave that shows no sign of easing, with Italy’s Ministry of Health extending its red-alert warning through Saturday, June 27.

If forecasts are confirmed, the city will reach eight consecutive days under the highest heat-risk level, an unusually prolonged period of extreme temperatures that affects not only vulnerable groups but the population as a whole.

According to the latest bulletin, perceived temperatures are expected to reach 37°C (99°F) on Thursday, 38°C (100°F) on Friday and 39°C (102°F) on Saturday. Actual daytime highs could climb to 36°C, 37°C and 38°C respectively.

The heat is also arriving early in the day. By 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, weather stations across Florence were already recording temperatures above 30°C. The Botanical Garden station registered 31.1°C, while readings reached 30.6°C at Florence University and 30.1°C in the Boboli Gardens.

Heatwave Continues Without Relief

Data from Wednesday confirmed the persistence of the hot spell. Maximum temperatures reached 38.3°C at the Botanical Garden, 38.1°C at the Boboli Gardens and 36.8°C at the Florence University station.

The Ministry of Health issues a red alert when extreme heat and severe bioclimatic discomfort persist for several consecutive days and are likely to have significant effects on public health. Unlike lower warning levels, a red alert indicates a risk for everyone, including healthy and active individuals, not only older adults or people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Health Advice

Authorities recommend avoiding direct sun exposure during the hottest hours of the day, drinking water regularly, reducing outdoor physical activity and paying particular attention to elderly people, children and those with chronic illnesses.

The Ministry of Health has also published a set of ten practical recommendations aimed at reducing health risks during heatwaves and helping residents cope with prolonged periods of extreme temperatures.

With no immediate relief expected before the weekend, Florence is facing one of its longest stretches of continuous red-alert conditions in recent years.

Update, June 26

he heatwave is now expected to last even longer. Italy’s Health Ministry has extended Florence’s red heat alert through Sunday, 28 June, meaning the city could reach nine consecutive days under the highest warning level if forecasts are confirmed. Maximum perceived temperatures are expected to remain between 38°C and 39°C over the weekend, while actual daytime highs could reach 38°C.

Temperatures are also staying unusually high overnight and in the early morning, increasing the cumulative impact of the heat on residents and visitors. Authorities continue to advise people to avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and check on elderly relatives, young children and anyone with chronic health conditions.

(Cover photo: Chris Yunker via Flickr)

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