Rome braces for record heat as temperatures soar to 42°C

Rome is in the grip of severe heat, with the Eternal City under the highest, red alert level.

Waves of hot air are again hitting this part of Europe. According to forecasts, Monday is expected to be the warmest day of the year.

The last days of July have been marked by the arrival of another African anticyclone, which has brought heat from the north to the south of Italy.

The authorities in Rome issued a unique statement. They emphasised that such heat can negatively impact the health of healthy and active individuals, not just the weak, the sick, and the elderly.

The highest - red - alert level has been issued due to the high temperature.

Medical services are on standby due to numerous cases of fainting, including among tourists, as well as social care services that assist primarily elderly people living alone.

The current heatwave is expected to last in much of Italy until the upcoming weekend.

Weather maps show that the aforementioned African heatwave has covered the entire southern part of Europe.

Already in mid-July, the highest alert level due to the heat was in place in a record number of 17 Italian cities. Excessive electricity consumption due to mass use of air conditioning caused frequent power outages, including in Rome, Milan, and Ancona.

Thermometers indicated around or above 40 degrees Celsius in Bologna, Florence, Palermo, Rome, and Trieste.