Italy is currently grappling with an intense heatwave sweeping across the country, bringing soaring temperatures and health warnings from the north to the south. The regional Civil Protection agency issued heatwave warning number 123 on June 25, 2025, valid from midnight June 26 for 24 hours, signaling a significant heat risk particularly for Palermo. The city faces a Level 2 heatwave risk, marked by an orange alert, with perceived temperatures expected to reach 34 degrees Celsius on both June 26 and 27. Alongside the heat, a medium fire risk has also been forecasted, underscoring the dangers posed by the dry and hot conditions.
But Palermo is far from alone in facing these extreme temperatures. On June 27, 2025, 17 Italian cities were flagged with a red dot warning — the highest alert level 23 for heat — indicating emergency conditions. The cities include Ancona, Bologna, Bolzano, Brescia, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, Milan, Naples, Palermo, Perugia, Pescara, Rome, Turin, Trieste, Venice, and Verona. By June 29, this list expands to 21 cities, adding Catania, Civitavecchia, Rieti, and Viterbo to the heat alert roster.
The Ministry of Health has stressed the severity of these warnings, explaining that Level 3 alerts denote emergency heatwave conditions that can negatively affect even healthy and active individuals, not just vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, or those with chronic illnesses. The prolonged nature of the heatwave heightens these risks, amplifying the potential for heat-related health issues.
In some areas, temperatures have already reached sweltering heights. According to measurements from the association Caput Frigoris, L'Aquila’s Monticchio district recorded 37.7 degrees Celsius, Introdacqua in L'Aquila hit 35.8 degrees, Castiglione a Casauria in Pescara reached 35.1 degrees, and Bellante in Teramo saw 34.8 degrees Celsius. These figures highlight the widespread intensity of the heatwave, which shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
Health officials continue to urge the public to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure during peak hours, and limit strenuous activities. Yet, the relentless heat is particularly challenging for outdoor workers in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, and construction, where prolonged sun exposure is unavoidable. Recognizing this, Antonio Di Marco, a regional councilor from the Democratic Party, has formally requested that the Abruzzo Region issue an ordinance to limit prolonged sun exposure for workers in these high-risk sectors.
Di Marco’s proposal draws on a precedent set in 2024, when an ordinance prohibited work under prolonged sun exposure during peak intensity hours on days classified with a "HIGH" risk level. He emphasized the urgency of protecting workers amidst the current heatwave, stating, "With the forecast for these days and the arrival of the great heat, Abruzzo's workers are being severely tested and forced to work in difficult conditions. It is essential that the Abruzzo Region intervene immediately with a dedicated ordinance to protect the health and safety of workers, especially in sectors where sun exposure is prolonged and unavoidable and can pose a health risk without precautions. I have written to the regional government to issue this ordinance as soon as possible. Health and safety must be absolute priorities."
The health impact of the heatwave is already visible. Emergency rooms in Abruzzo have seen a rise in heatstroke cases, particularly among the elderly and other fragile individuals. Pharmacies report longer queues as residents seek supplements to help cope with the oppressive heat. These developments underscore the tangible toll the heatwave is taking on communities across Italy.
Meanwhile, the regional Civil Protection's warning for Palermo, with its Level 2 heatwave risk and medium fire danger, serves as a reminder that the threat is multifaceted. The combination of high temperatures and dry conditions increases the risk of wildfires, adding another layer of concern for residents and authorities alike.
As Italy endures this blistering heatwave, the government and regional authorities are balancing urgent public health advisories with practical measures to safeguard vulnerable populations and workers exposed to the harsh elements. The unfolding situation highlights the growing challenges posed by extreme weather events in a warming climate, demanding coordinated efforts and swift action to mitigate risks.
For now, Italians are urged to heed warnings seriously: stay cool, stay hydrated, and take care of those most vulnerable to the heat’s relentless grip. The coming days will be critical in determining how well the country weathers this intense summer surge.
