All 27 major Italian cities on red 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, the Guardian reported on Wednesday. The red alert covers every major urban centre, a measure that reflects the scale of the current heat event.

According to the Guardian, temperatures in some areas are edging close to 40C. The red alert is the highest level in Italy's heat warning system, which is designed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, during prolonged periods of extreme heat.

The alert comes as the fourth heatwave of the summer builds across the country, following a season that has already seen repeated episodes of extreme temperatures and drought conditions in several regions.