Red Heat Alert Returns to Florence as Temperatures Approach 40C

Florence is entering another period of extreme heat as a powerful African anticyclone strengthens across Italy, bringing soaring temperatures, high humidity and worsening conditions for public health.

The latest bulletin from Italy’s Ministry of Health places Florence under an orange heat alert on Thursday, 30 July, before raising the city to Level 3 (red alert) on Friday, 31 July, the highest warning in the national heatwave monitoring system. A red alert indicates that weather conditions pose a health risk to the entire population, not only to older adults and other vulnerable groups.

Maximum temperatures are forecast to reach 37C on Thursday and 39C on Friday, while the perceived temperature is expected to climb to 40C because of high humidity.

Meteorologists say this is the fourth African heatwave to affect Italy this summer. Florence is among the cities expected to reach around 40C, with the combination of intense heat and humidity making outdoor conditions particularly oppressive. In parts of central and northern Italy, perceived temperatures could locally approach 44C. The Valdarno area, which includes Florence, is among the regions expected to experience the greatest heat stress.

Current forecasts suggest that the high-pressure system will remain firmly established over much of Italy, with no significant cooling expected before mid-August. While isolated thunderstorms may develop over the Alps, central Tuscany is expected to remain largely dry and very hot over the coming weeks.

Health advice

Authorities are urging residents and visitors to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest hours of the day, stay hydrated and check regularly on elderly relatives, neighbours and anyone with chronic health conditions.

The Ministry of Health also recommends staying in cool or air-conditioned environments whenever possible, wearing light clothing, avoiding strenuous physical activity during the afternoon and drinking water frequently, even when not feeling thirsty. Particular care should be taken with children, older adults, pregnant women and people with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses.

For visitors, the prolonged heat is also likely to affect sightseeing. Outdoor attractions in Florence’s historic centre can become significantly hotter than surrounding areas because stone buildings and paved streets retain heat throughout the day. Early morning and evening remain the safest times for walking around the city.

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