Fifth heatwave splits Italy as Milan faces thunderstorm risk

Italy is bracing for its fifth heatwave of the summer, with forecasters warning of temperatures approaching 42C in central and southern regions while the north faces a brief but intense spell of thunderstorms, according to The Local Italy.

The forecast divides the country in two, a pattern that has become familiar in a summer marked by repeated climate extremes across Europe. The Local Italy reported that the heatwave is expected to be short-lived but intense, adding further strain to a season already defined by record temperatures and severe weather events.

For Lombardy, the prospect of thunderstorms carries particular weight. The region requested a state of emergency earlier this week following severe storm damage, as reported by The Local Italy, and any new violent weather would test recovery efforts already under way.