Italy has placed nearly all of its major cities on the highest “red” alert for heat, with 19 cities,including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples,already under this warning. By Monday, 25 out of 27 major cities are expected to be in the red category, with only Reggio Calabria and Messina remaining on the second-highest “amber” alert. The Italian health ministry advises residents to avoid direct sunlight between 11:00 and 18:00 and to stay hydrated; the heat is attributed to a subtropical anticyclone from North Africa intensifying over the Mediterranean.

Heat warnings widespread in Germany

In Germany, the Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) has issued heat warnings for 289 of the 294 German districts; Temperatures are expected to exceed 30°C, with some areas in the south reaching up to 37°C. Only a few northern and southern districts, including Nordfriesland, Aurich, Wittmund, Oberallgäu, and Tuttlingen, remain free of the heat — Meteorologist Jörg Kachelmann warns of the dangers of the heat, calling it a “potential killer.”

Extreme heat in the US

Across the United States, extreme heat warnings are also being issued; In Utah, temperatures are expected to reach between 105 and 110°F, with Salt Lake County opening additional cool zones for residents. Meanwhile, in Alaska, Southcentral regions are experiencing their first heat advisory of the year, with temperatures potentially reaching 82°F; these advisories are in place to alert vulnerable populations,particularly children and the elderly,to the risks of heat-related illnesses.

Health and safety measures emphasized

Authorities in Italy, Germany, and the U.S. are urging residents to stay indoors during peak heat hours, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles. In Germany, the DWD warns that nighttime temperatures will remain high, with some areas experiencing “tropical nights” where temperatures do not drop below 20°C. In Utah, Salt Lake County has opened more than 60 public cool zones, including libraries, pools, and community centers, to help residents cope with the heat.

The extreme heat is linked to high-pressure systems, such as one over New Mexico that has cut off the monsoonal flow that previously brought rain to parts of the U.S. In Germany, Kachelmann warns of an approaching cold front that could bring sudden shifts in weather, urging residents to prepare quickly. Across Europe and the U.S., the heat is a public health concern, with officials emphasizing the importance of hydration, shelter from the sun, and monitoring of vulnerable individuals.