Italy Endures Fifth Heatwave and Severe Storms, Splitting Country in Two

Italy's summer of 2026 began with a series of intense heatwaves, pushing temperatures far above seasonal norms. By late August, the country was already experiencing its fifth major heatwave, according to The Local and Euronews. Southern and central regions saw temperatures rise above 40°C, while the north, after weeks of high heat, started to see a shift towards unstable weather conditions.

This pattern of extremes did not develop overnight. Meteorologists had warned that alternating periods of African anticyclones and Atlantic weather fronts would create a volatile end to the summer, with the country at risk for both heat emergencies and sudden storms. Authorities prepared for impacts in both directions: health risks from the heat and flood risks from the storms.

On August 21, 2026, storms battered northern Italy, particularly Liguria, Lombardy, and Tuscany, causing flooding and road closures, as reported by Euronews and La Repubblica. At the same time, southern regions remained under heat warnings, with health officials monitoring for heat-related illnesses and outbreaks such as West Nile virus.

By August 24, the Civil Protection Department had issued yellow weather alerts for storms across eight regions in the north and center, including Emilia Romagna, Lazio, and Liguria (ANSA.it). Meanwhile, Palermo and other southern cities faced red heat alerts as temperatures climbed again (Adnkronos - ultimoratop).

The heatwave intensified by the end of August. On August 27 and 28, nine cities reached red alert status for extreme heat, with temperatures peaking at 45°C in some areas, according to Euronews and Anadolu Ajansı. The Health Ministry urged vulnerable groups to stay indoors during the hottest hours. In the north, violent storms and hail led to orange and yellow weather alerts, forcing cities like Milan to close parks and pools (La Repubblica).

The country was effectively split in two: the north grappled with floods, landslides, and hundreds of emergency interventions by firefighters, while the south endured record heat and wildfires, particularly in Sicily and Abruzzo (TGcom24, Fanpage).

As of the start of September, the pattern of extremes continues. Southern Italy remains under red heat alerts, with temperatures near 46°C and persistent risk of wildfires, as reported by Adnkronos and TGcom24. The north has seen some relief with rain and cooler weather, but new storms continue to bring localized floods and damage.

Authorities are monitoring both the health impacts of the prolonged heat in the south and the risk of further severe weather in the north. The country's emergency services remain stretched as they respond to both heat-related incidents and storm damage.

Meteorologists warn that the heat is likely to return after a brief respite, with forecasts of another heatwave for the south in early September. The risk of wildfires remains high in the hottest regions, while the north could see more storms as new weather fronts approach.

Officials are urging residents to pay attention to local alerts and to take precautions, especially vulnerable populations in areas under red heat warnings.