Red alerts in 22 cities as heat peaks & more
Italy is under a severe heatwave with 22 cities on maximum alert, leading to health warnings and reported deaths in the north. While most of the country faces intense sun, sudden storms have disrupted major events and caused localized flooding. Meanwhile, new economic data shows a significant shift in how residents are spending their money this season.
You should limit outdoor activity during peak hours as 22 cities are now under "bollino rosso" (red alert), the Ministry of Health's highest warning level. This alert means the heat is intense enough to threaten the health of the entire population, not just the elderly or vulnerable. The number of affected cities is expected to reach 25 by Wednesday, with temperatures hitting 34-36°C. Two deaths linked to the conditions have already been reported in Genoa.
In contrast to the heat, you should prepare for sudden weather changes in the South and Center, where a "bomba d'acqua" (an intense, localized flash flood) recently hit Naples. These storms have also affected cultural events, forcing the postponement of the Palio di Siena—the historic horse race held in Tuscany—due to dangerous track conditions.
Regarding your spending, Istat (the national statistics office) reports that retail sales rose slightly in May, but the growth is almost entirely driven by a "boom" in online shopping. While physical store sales remain relatively flat, e-commerce continues to see high volume increases across the country.
Finally, if you are traveling within the country, expect heavy crowds as Italy remains the top destination for tourism in Europe this summer. High demand is expected to continue through August, affecting availability and prices in popular holiday regions.
For more on Italy-US investment plans and the tourism roadshow in North America, visit the News section.