Italy heatwave set to hit record peak with 27 cities under red alert

The severe heatwave across Southern and Central Europe continues to intensify, with extreme conditions expected to reach an unprecedented peak later this week. In Italy, where 25 out of 27 monitored cities were initially placed under red alert through Wednesday, official updates indicate that all 27 cities will reach maximum alert status by Thursday. Temperatures in several regions continue to exceed 40°C, with little relief expected before August 9.

The broader economic impact across the continent is mounting, with damages estimated at €3 billion. Drought conditions are also threatening critical energy infrastructure. In Romania, military forces detonated submerged rock formations in the Danube River to redirect water flow and maintain adequate cooling operations for the Cernavodă nuclear power plant.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Repubblica.