The Italian health ministry announced in its latest heatwave bulletin on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, that by Monday, 25 out of the country's 27 major cities will be under the highest level of heat alert, known as red alert. Only Reggio Calabria, located at the southern tip of Italy's "boot," and Messina, across on the island of Sicily, are expected to remain on the second-highest "amber" alert.

The ministry has urged residents in affected areas to avoid heat exposure and direct sunlight during the hottest hours between 11:00 and 18:00, to stay indoors, and to drink plenty of fluids. The intense heatwave is attributed to a subtropical anticyclone originating from North Africa, which is currently strengthening over the Mediterranean.

Meanwhile, wildfires continue to challenge firefighters across southern Europe. In France, approximately 2,500 people were evacuated on Friday evening, July 31st, 2026, from the south-eastern Var region after a previously contained blaze reignited. However, a massive fire in the south-western Gironde region is now under control, allowing around 200,000 evacuated residents to return to their homes.

Firefighters are also battling extensive fires in Greece, Portugal, and Spain as the region faces ongoing heat and dry conditions.

Sources