Italy's 27 major cities on red heat alert as fourth heatwave peaks

Italy is to place all of its 27 major cities, from Trieste in the north to Palermo in the south, under the highest heat alert as the fourth heatwave to hit the country this summer intensifies, according to the Guardian. The red alert comes as temperatures edge close to 40C in some areas, the paper reported on Wednesday.

For Lombardy, the red alert is more than a public health warning. Milan, the region's capital and Italy's financial and industrial heart, will see the heat weigh on everything from construction schedules to the city's energy demand. The region's continental climate, with its foggy winters and hot, humid summers, makes the prolonged heat particularly taxing for a workforce accustomed to cooler conditions.

The Guardian reported the move as the fourth heatwave of the summer intensifies, with the alert covering all major urban centres. The red alert designation signals a state of emergency for vulnerable populations, with authorities advising against outdoor activity during peak hours.