Heatwave inferno: Record temperatures sweep across Italy and the Balkans

Meteorologists accurately predicted that the heat would be exceptionally infernal after the arrival of the anticyclone. That's why the phenomenon was named after the judge from Hell in Dante's Divine Comedy. The African anticyclone Minos is currently raging over Italy.

The Italian Ministry of Health has announced the third red alert level due to heatwaves for the cities of Ancona, Campobasso, Frosinone, Latina, Palermo, Perugia, Rieti, and Rome. This is the highest alert level that can be issued. A lower, orange alert is in effect in Bari, Bologna, Brescia, Catania, Naples, Messina, Pescara, Reggio Calabria, and Trieste.

The ministry warned that high temperatures pose a threat to the entire population, not just the elderly, sick, and children.

By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to reach 40°C, the highest - up to 44°C in Sardinia.

Infernal heatwaves have taken over not only Italian cities but also the Balkans. Local authorities have urged citizens to avoid going outside due to the exceptionally high temperatures, peaking on Friday.

Serbian and Croatian health services and meteorologists have announced a red weather alert in parts of these countries. The Serbian government has ordered employers to protect workers performing outdoor tasks from the intensifying heatwave.

"Winds from North Africa pushed a hot and dry front across the Balkans." This results in temperatures in Serbia reaching up to 40°C this week, explains Reuters, referring to meteorologists' forecasts. "Belgrade's emergency service said its doctors intervened more than 100 times overnight, mainly treating people with heart and chronic conditions," it added.