Foreign Office shares Italy warning as popular holiday hotspot hit by extreme heat

British tourists in Italy are being warned of an "extreme" weather shift expected to bring dangerously high temperatures across the country this weekend. 

The heatwave, driven by a weather system moving up from Africa, is set to push temperatures above 40C, making this weekend potentially the hottest Italy has experienced so far this year.

Southern Italy is forecast to bear the brunt of the heat, with temperatures expected to soar as high as 43C in some areas. 

The heatwave will also affect central and northern parts of the country, with temperatures likely to reach between 39C and 40C from August 10 to 11. 

The Italian Ministry of Health has issued orange and red warnings across several regions due to the severe heat.

Cities such as Perugia and Rome are under red alerts, signalling extreme health risks, while Brescia, Campobasso, Florence, Frosinone, Latina, and Rieti have been placed under orange warnings. 

The Ministry has advised residents and tourists alike to take precautions, as the heatwave is expected to persist at least until mid-August.

Meteorologists are cautioning that Italy will not see relief from this intense heat until later in the month. 

The country's health officials have emphasised the serious health risks associated with such extreme temperatures, urging people to take measures to stay cool and hydrated.

Héctor Tejero, head of health and climate change at Spain's Ministry of Health, said: "The heat is killing 3,000 people a year, and it’s going to get worse. 

“But while exposure to extreme heat is going to rise, we can also step up our adaptation to it." 

He added that, despite increasing temperatures, the impact can be mitigated through better-adapted homes, widespread use of air conditioning, and a growing cultural awareness of how to cope with the heat.