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New heatwave to sweep Italy this week with temperatures over 40C

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New heatwave to sweep Italy this week with temperatures over 40C
A tourist cools off at the Barcaccia fountain by the Spanish Steps in central Rome on August 01 2020 as Italy is in the grip of a heat wave. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP)

Temperatures are set to rise across Italy this week, peaking on Thursday at around 40C (104F).

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While temperatures are still in the low to mid-30s across Italy, the country has been enjoying a brief respite from the more intense heat and humidity felt at the end of June.

But things are set to get hot sticky again this week, with new currents of warm air moving in from North Africa, forecasters say.

READ ALSO: How to keep cool like an Ancient Roman in Italy's summer heat

The cities of Rome and Florence can expect to swelter in up to 40C on Thursday, according to Italy's national weather service, and temperatures could reach 37C in Emilia Romagna (Bologna, Ferrara, Forlì), Lombardy (Mantua), and Veneto (Rovigo, Verona), and up to 39C in Marche.

But the south will again see the highest temperatures, with up to 42C expected in the regions of Puglia and Basilicata (particularly the cities of Foggia, Taranto, and Matera) and on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia, especially in inland areas.

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Things will remain hot and sticky at night with temperatures set to remain above 20-22°C around the country.

The 'caldo Africano' is characterized, especially in southern regions, by still air and white, dusty skies along with soaring temperatures.

Adding to the sultry atmosphere is the so-called ‘Afa‘, or hot-humid air.

READ ALSO: ‘Four to five light meals a day’: Italy’s official advice during a heatwave

Thunderstorms are also expected in some northern areas, particularly around the Alps, on Wednesday and into Thursday.

Forecasters also predict localised outbreaks of heavy rain and hail at the end of the week. 

Italian vocabulary:

Caldo intenso – intense heat
Caldo Africano -  currents of hot air arriving from the south
Aria fresca – cool air
Perturbazione – disturbance
Afa – Intense, sultry heat due to high humidity
Temporali – storms
Maltempo – bad weather
Grandine – hail

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i.swan 2021/07/06 16:14
We are coming to Italy for a month and The Local is providing us with some much needed information especially concerning "Covid requirements" that are in a constant state of flux. Thanks to you all who produce this really useful website Ian Swan
  • clare.speak 2021/07/06 16:58
    Thanks Ian, we're really glad to hear you've found The Local useful!

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