Italy is bracing for a significant weather shift as a cold front from Northern Europe is set to disrupt the prolonged heatwave that has gripped the country.

Starting from the Alpine regions, thunderstorms are expected to spread to the plains of Piedmont and Lombardy, bringing a drastic drop in temperatures by up to 10 degrees Celsius.

The clash between the incoming cool air and the existing hot, humid conditions is likely to trigger severe weather events, including violent thunderstorms and hailstorms, particularly affecting the northern and central regions.

The Italian Civil Protection Department has issued a yellow alert for areas including Emilia-Romagna, Liguria, and Sardinia.

As the weekend progresses, the stormy weather will extend southwards, impacting regions like Campania.

While the heatwave's end is welcomed, the potential for extreme weather poses new challenges, urging residents to prepare for possible disruptions.